Key Takeaways:
- AS Roma registered a commanding 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava for their first UEFA Champions League win of the season
- Donyell Malen scored from the penalty spot and assisted for another goal
- Slovan Bratislava have now conceded 13 goals and scored just once after three matches, remaining rooted to the bottom of the standings
Match Analysis
AS Roma asserted their dominance in a convincing 4-0 triumph against Slovan Bratislava, achieving their inaugural UEFA Champions League victory this season. Despite prior attacking displays, this marked the Giallorossi’s first win in the league phase, extending their unbeaten run since the defeat to Real Madrid.
The home side began aggressively, with Kenan Bajric excelling defensively to block attempts from Donyell Malen and Niccolo Pisilli in quick succession, and later intervening against Lorenzo Pellegrini. Roma’s relentless pressure ultimately paid off in the 22nd minute. Pellegrini, after winning a free-kick, delivered a pinpoint ball for Daniele Ghilardi to nod across goal, allowing Mario Hermoso to head home at the far post.
Vinciamo la nostra prima gara in Champions League della stagione 💛❤️
⚽️ Hermoso
⚽️ Molina
⚽️ Pisilli
⚽️ Malen#ASRoma #UCL #RomaSlovan https://t.co/MTSzRke33a
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) October 20, 2026
Key Contributions and Second-Half Dominance
Lorenzo Pellegrini continued to test the Slovan Bratislava defence, but Dominik Takac was equal to his curling shot. Moments later, Nahuel Molina narrowly missed after connecting with a cross from Wesley Franca. The breakthrough to double the lead came in the 39th minute when Takac parried Malen’s effort into Molina’s path, allowing the Argentine to finish clinically.
After the interval, the Dutch forward Malen was lively, but saw a clever attempt thwarted by Takac and miscued a volley following a corner. Malen remained influential, however, winning back possession after Matias Soule’s intervention and setting up Pisilli to slot home Roma’s third.
Slovan Bratislava’s woes deepened when Cesar Blackman’s desperate challenge on Wesley inside the area resulted in a penalty, crisply converted by Malen into the bottom corner. Both Wesley and Malen were substituted immediately after the goal, with just 59 minutes played, highlighting Roma’s growing comfort in the tie.
Closing Stages and Statistical Overview
The remaining minutes saw Santiago Castro shoot wide after coming on, Ghilardi’s header and Molina’s volley both lacking direction, and Takac producing a sharp save to deny Rodrigo Mora. Although Ghilardi found the net again, the goal was correctly ruled out for offside earlier in the move. Roma’s determined pursuit of a fifth goal ultimately came up short, but the comprehensive performance ensured consecutive victories across all competitions.
With this result, Slovan Bratislava’s struggles continue. The Slovakian side have now shipped 13 goals in three Champions League clashes while scoring only once, leaving them bottom of the table.
