Rafiu Durosinmi found the net again in the Europa League, but his team Viktoria Plzen suffered heartbreak in front of their home fans.
Despite Lazio being reduced to nine men, the Czech side let a crucial advantage slip, conceding a dramatic 98th-minute goal in their 2-1 defeat at the Doosan Arena, Footballrover reports.
Rafiu Durosinmi shines, but Lazio stun Viktoria Plzen late
Durosinmi came into the match with confidence after grabbing a goal and assist in their 3-0 win over Ferencvaros in the playoff round, and Plzen thought they had taken an early lead through Pavel Šulc.
However, VAR ruled it out for offside, and soon after, Lazio made them pay. Alessio Romagnoli connected with a Tijjani Noslin flick to fire the visitors ahead before halftime.
Determined to turn the game around, Plzen started the second half with intensity, and their persistence paid off when Lukáš Kalvach delivered a perfect free-kick for Rafiu Durosinmi to nod home the equaliser.
The Nigerian forward almost doubled his tally moments later, but Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel made a crucial save.
Lazio’s task became harder when Nicolò Rovella was shown a red card for a dangerous challenge, and Plzen pushed forward relentlessly.
Their hopes soared further after Samuel Gigot’s late dismissal left the Italian side with nine men. But instead of capitalising, Plzen were stunned at the death.
98th-minute heartbreak as Lazio punish wasteful Plzen
Despite relentless pressure from Plzen, Lazio struck the decisive blow deep into stoppage time.
Gustav Isaksen latched onto a loose ball and curled a stunning strike into the far corner, silencing the Doosan Arena.
It marked only the second time in 18 home Europa League matches that Plzen had suffered defeat.
Rafiu Durosinmi, who was substituted in the 85th minute, could only watch as his side collapsed in the dying moments.
With the return leg in Rome looming, Plzen must regroup quickly to keep their European hopes alive.
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