Berke Özer’s Triple Save: Lille’s Shock 1-0 Victory Over Roma in the Europa League

Match overview

Lille edged Roma 1-0 in a Europa League clash, with Turkish goalkeeper Berke Özer stealing the spotlight by stopping three penalties. The only goal came early, as Haakon Haraldsson fired Lille ahead in the 6th minute, setting the tone for a night where Rome’s hopes were repeatedly frustrated by a wall of Lille defense and a stellar keep.

Penalty saga

The drama peaked in the 81st minute when a handball by Aïssa Mandi granted Roma a spot-kick. Artem Dovbyk stepped up and sent his first attempt to the left, but Özer produced a superb save. The referee then ordered a retake due to encroachment as Lille players entered the box too early. Dovbyk struck again; Özer saved once more. The action didn’t stop there: a third penalty was awarded after the goalkeeper had strayed off his line, and this time Argentinian Matías Suli took the kick. Özer again denied the attempt, preserving Lille’s lead and sealing a memorable night for the Turkish stopper and his club.

The hosts had started strongly, with Haraldsson’s early strike lighting up the Olympic Stadium and giving Lille a lead they never relinquished.

Other results in the group slate

Elsewhere in European action, Nice suffered a second defeat to Fenerbahçe (2-1) as the Turkish side continued its fine form. Real Betis opened their account with a 2-0 win over Ludogorets Razgrad. Bologna drew 1-1 with Freiburg, while Viktoria Plzeň beat Malmö FF 3-0. Young Boys defeated FCSB 2-0, and Brann Bergen beat Utrecht 1-0. Celtic slipped to a 2-0 loss at Braga, and Panathinaikos fell 2-1 to Go Ahead Eagles.

As the Europa League group stages roll on, Lille’s win adds another chapter to the competition’s tradition of unlikely heroes and late drama.

Historical note: The Europa League began in 1971 as the UEFA Cup and has evolved into a festival of European football where mid-table clubs dream big and the occasional goalkeeper becomes a legend.

So yes, while the late drama gave Roma a headache, Lille walked away with three precious points, a goalkeeper who could star in a strictly defensive Netflix series, and a night that fans will still be talking about at least until the next set of fixtures.

Punchline time: If football had a gadget extension, Berke Özer would have a penalty-saving mode built into his boots. And if humor were a save, he’d be sitting at the top of the VAR tree with a grin as wide as a goalmouth. Finally, remember: in football as in life, always bring your best gloves—be sure they’re not just for washing the dishes.