Bryan Cristante praised Roma’s performance after scoring the club’s first Champions League goal in seven years during the 1-1 draw with Fenerbahçe.
Roma marked their return to the Champions League with a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahçe in Istanbul.
Bryan Cristante gave the Giallorossi the lead with an angled strike from outside the penalty area before the hosts equalized during the second half.
Following the final whistle, Roma’s captain reflected on the performance during an interview with Sky Sport.
Cristante Praises Roma’s Performance
Cristante believes Roma handled the occasion well and deserved credit for the way they approached their first Champions League match since March 2019.
“It was excellent. We managed the match well and took the lead. In the second half, we were almost always the team attacking. It is a shame about the goal we conceded, but it was a good performance.”
Roma were unable to convert their second-half pressure into a winning goal, but Cristante felt the Giallorossi demonstrated that they could compete at Champions League level.
His assessment echoed Gian Piero Gasperini, who described the result as a point that could prove useful in the standings.
A Historic Goal for Roma
Cristante’s first-half strike was Roma’s first Champions League goal in more than seven years.
The midfielder acknowledged its importance but placed greater emphasis on the collective display.
“It was still early in the match, but it was an important goal. Beyond the goal, we played an excellent game considering it was our first one. We are going home with our heads held high.”
Roma entered the match seeking confirmation that their impressive domestic form could translate to the European stage.
“Yes, absolutely. We started with determination, interpreted the match well and created chances. We return home with our heads held high.”
Cristante’s goal ultimately secured Roma’s opening point of the league phase. The Giallorossi will now turn their attention to Monday’s Serie A trip to Torino.
Source: Sky Sport
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