Catania 2 : 1 AS Roma - Roma Champions League dream over

Posted Sunday, May 15, 2011 by PA

Catania ended Roma4s hopes of Champions League qualification after Alejandro Gomez4s late winner handed the hosts a 2-1 triumph.

The result has left Roma unable to catch fourth-placed Udinese, who won 2-0 at Chievo to go five points clear of the Giallorossi with one game remaining.

Substitute Simone Loria had put Roma ahead into a 14th minute but Gonzalo Bergessio equalised early in the second half.

With the game at the Angelo Massimino stadium looking to be headed for a draw, Bergessio set up Gomez, who scored to clinch victory.

Roma had been in good form in recent weeks to give themselves a chance of returning to Europe's elite club competition next season.

Catania, who had already assured themselves Serie A football last week, were the better team on the day and were denied by woodwork twice.

Roma coach Vincenzo Montella was forced to make his first substitution early with Loria replacing injured defender Juan.

Catania were unlucky not to go in front in the 10th minute when Maxi Lopez4s effort rebounded off the far post.

It was Loria who then put the visitors ahead soon after when he got his head to Francesco Totti4s cross and hit the ball past Catania goalkeeper Mariano Andujar.

Catania would have pulled level on the half-hour mark had Pablo Ledesma4s header not struck the crossbar with Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni already beaten.

Before half-time, Doni made a great save from Christian Terlizzi4s close-range effort.

The hosts picked up where they left off after the restart but despite having numerous chances, they had to wait until the 78th minute for the equaliser - Bergessio heading Francesco Lodi4s cross past Doni.

With four minutes remaining, Aleandro Rosi4s header went over the bar in what was the best chance Roma would have of going in front again.

Catania then made sure of a miserable day for Roma at the end, when his his close-range strike gave Doni no chance as it went into the bottom right corner of the goal.