With three losses from their opening four games in Serie A, Lazio would turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening – desperately hoping for a much improved performance on the European stage. With Sergej Milinković-Savić departing the club in the summer, a weakened side would truly have to toil to record a result against their Iberian opponents.
LAZ: Provedel; Pellegrini, Romagnoli, Gabarron, Marusic; Alberto, Vecino, Kamada; Zaccagni, Immobile, Anderson
ATM: Oblak; Lino, Hermoso, Witsel, Savic, Molina; Niguez, Barrios, Llorente; Morata, Griezmann
Despite a raucous atmosphere that was vehemently behind the Italian hosts, it was the Rojiblancos that enjoyed the first opportunity of this continental encounter on Tuesday. Samuel Lino looked to be a threat on the left flank, enjoying an early effort on goal – but the wing-back was in an offside position as he drilled his strike straight into the grateful arms of Ivan Provedel.
But Lazio would have plenty of chances of their own, including when Mattia Zaccagni stinging the palms of Jan Oblak as he forced a fine save from a free-kick delivery. The visiting shotstopper was equal to his attempt though, palming the ball over the crossbar and away from any danger.
Yet just as i Biancocelesti were beginning to enjoy a promising spell, Atletico Madrid dealt a killer blow. Pablo Barrios was perfectly situated to bring the desired end to an attacking move, with his long-range effort deflecting off Daichi Kamada to catch Provedel off guard.
And when the second half commenced, the Rojiblancos were keen to double their advantage. Alex Witsel’s strike from outside the box forced Provedel into action just minutes into the final period, before Alvaro Morata struck the post with 25 minutes left to play.
But the true action would present itself deep in four minutes of stoppage time, when Provedel capitalised on a distracted Atletico defence that was appealing for a penalty. The goalkeeper rose highest, dancing through a crowded penalty area to nod Luis Alberto’s delivery past Oblak to seal a point for Lazio in the most dramatic fashion.
Lazio’s next Champions League fixture sees them travel to Celtic Park on 4 October, while Atletico Madrid prepare to host Feyenoord on the same date.
