Discover how Castellanos and Pedro Rodríguez led Lazio to a commanding 4-1 victory over Nice, showcasing their exceptional skills and teamwork.
Introduction:
Hardly a surprise that Lazio had taken the comprehensive victory over Nice, at 4-1, this highly charged Europa League game staged at the Stadio Olimpio. And notwithstanding that it poured all night, Lazio technical ability stood out as Pedro Rodríguez and Taty Castellanos put on spectacular shows. From a spate of goals from Pedro, Castellanos, twice, and Zaccagni, Lazio took all three points and consolidated its perfect record in the tournament.
See also: Guendouzi Stars as Lazio Stun Bayern 1-0 in Champions League Showdown
Pedro Rodríguez Breaks the Deadlock in Style
Heavy rain slowed the pace of the match, but Lazio’s technical players gradually gained the upper hand. Pedro Rodríguez was, particularly, mesmerizing. After Castellanos had a series of agonizing near misses by hitting the post via a corner kick, he stunned everyone with a moment of pure magic.
From the ball falling to Pedro when Nice failed to clear their lines, a pure left-footed strike was unleashed, curling into the top corner. It was his 29th in UEFA competitions and the stunning reminder of the quality of the Spaniard-it was his first in what seemed like an eternity, making it even more special for the veteran.
Castellanos Doubles Lazio’s Lead
As if perceiving that their superiority should not be squandered away, Lazio kept pushing Nice back. Pedro, now bristling with confidence, was provider to Castellanos just minutes later. The Argentine striker had been seeking his maiden European goal and, after being given a beautifully-weighted through ball by Pedro, the Argentine delicately finished it above the body of Nice goalkeeper Bulka.
Castellanos had been lively throughout, and composure to level Lazio’s lead was a point of of growing confidence. It was also a breakthrough moment for the ex-striker of Girona in Europe, and his pleasure was distinct as the Stadio Olimpico erupted.
Nice Fight Back Through Boga
Yet, just when Lazio appeared ready to stampede well clear, it was Nice’s turn to dig itself back into the match. Returning to Italy with prior spells at Sassuolo and Atalanta, Jeremie Boga headed the visitors back into things with a clinical finish, assisted by Moukoko, who helped his own shot across the goalkeeper to halve the deficit and rekindle the battle.
This was a stark reminder of Nice’s attacking threat, and the game assumed another prognosis. The score being 2-1 in favor of Lazio set up what seemed like to be an extremely daunting second half for them.
Castellanos Strike in the Second Half
There were changes coming at the start of the second half: Lazio began to adopt a few tactical changes, and Zaccagni and Rovella were sent into the fray. The changes paid immediate dividends as Rovella released Castellanos with a brilliant through ball down the left wing. Castellanos danced past two defenders before firing an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
The second of Castellanos’ goals so far in that stage was a thing of beauty. The pure display of dribbling was matched by lethal finishing as Lazio recovered full control of the match and sent their elated home fans into raptures with a 3-1 scoreline.
It does not take much to imagine what Zaccagni had in mind when he strolled forward to penance the Lazio Camp. Given the chance to seal the victory at the penalty spot, he precisely did.
Lazio continued pressing though. Castellanos was unstoppable and was fouled in the penalty area by Nice goalkeeper Bulka from Castellanos’s unstoppable run to give the home team a penalty. Zaccagni, as substitute, came forward and coolly scored 4-1.
With the score now beyond doubt, Lazio comfortably saw out the remainder of the game. The 4-1 victory was the perfect night for the home side, which has won both of its Europa League games, while Nice takes just one point from two games.
Conclusion: Lazio’s Quality Shines in the Rain
Against all such odds, technical superiority and tactical discipline were things that won Lazio their victory here. Castellanos will remember the night fondly, having scored his first European goals, while Pedro Rodríguez certainly stamped his mark both on the scoreboard and on creations for his teammates. Nice gave their best, Boga’s goal giving them brief glimpses of optimism, but by the end, Lazio’s superiority was evident as the two teams met again in this European League. With wins on both matches, Lazio is flying ahead on its Europa League campaign.