Como hold 10-man Roma to goalless draw after Malen’s red card

Malen’s dismissal changes the match

Roma were held to a 0-0 draw away to Como after Donyell Malen was sent off early in the second half, leaving the visitors to defend with 10 men. Como pressed for a winner but could not make their numerical advantage count.

The sides traded chances in an open first half. Jean Butez saved Paulo Dybala’s first-time effort, while Nico Paz tested Pierluigi Gollini at the other end. Lorenzo Pellegrini curled a shot against the outside of the post, and Maxence Caqueret sent a low attempt narrowly wide. Malen also rounded Butez after chasing a long ball, but could only hit the side netting from a tight angle.

Como push, but Gollini stands firm

Malen’s night ended in the 53rd minute. After losing control of the ball during a driving run, he leapt into a challenge on Kaiki and was shown a straight red card.

Como sought to exploit the extra player. Maximo Perrone fired over and Tasos Douvikas struck the side netting before Gollini made an acrobatic save from Paz. Jesus Rodriguez later sent a low effort just wide, as the home side continued to search for a breakthrough.

Como finished with 19 shots and 1.48 expected goals, but Roma’s goalkeeper kept them out and the match ended without a goal. Roma had seven shots to Como’s five in the first half, with each team putting one effort on target.

Roma stay second as Como take a point

The result denied Roma the opportunity to move back to the top of Serie A: they remain two points behind leaders Inter. Como sit sixth. The draw was the first between the clubs in 11 meetings, and the first 0-0 of the Serie A season, according to the report.