[UEL] Roma in control

Roma will take a strong lead to Belgium next week after beating Gent 3-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie.

The Giallorossi had to come from behind to see off the Jupiler Pro League outfit at the Stadio Olimpico as Leye Mbaye had given the visitors a shock 1-0 lead after 23 minutes.

Luciano Spalletti's side were frustrated and had to wait until the second half for defender Philippe Mexes to level.

A penalty from Francesco Totti with 20 minutes remaining and a late strike from Mirko Vucinic completed the turnaround to give Roma a two-goal lead heading into the second leg on 6 August.

If Roma can complete the job in the Jules Ottenstadion in Ghent next week, they will join Genoa and city rivals Lazio in the Play-off Round of the inaugural Europa League tournament.

UEFA Europa League 2009-10
Third Qualifying Round
Thursday 30 July
Roma 3-1 Gent
Thursday 6 August
Gent v Roma (1930)

[Full Results]

Source: UEFA