'They have stolen this game' - Isaksen snatches stunning stoppage time win for nine-man Lazio
Video credit: TNT Sports
To say that the end of the UEFA Europa League last-16 first-leg tie between Viktoria Plzen and Lazio was eventful would be some understatement, considering the late drama which ensued.
However, this only told part of the story in a turbocharged encounter which saw Marco Baroni’s side end the match with nine men.
Alessio Romagnoli broke the deadlock before Rafiu Durosinmi restored parity for the hosts with a header from Lukas Kalvach’s set-piece.
But Marco Baroni’s men appeared to be the architects of their own downfall when the Biancocelesti had two players dismissed - Nicolo Rovella and Samuel Gigot – with the latter shown his marching orders five minutes before Isaksen’s winner.
Rovella was the first to go with a high-footed challenge on Pavel Sulc, which came after referee Donatas Rumsas was called over to view the pitchside VAR monitor.
'Reckless' - Lazio's Rovella sent off after boot to the face
Video credit: TNT Sports
The game was still in the balance heading into stoppage time when Gigot lunged into a horrendous two-footed challenge which sent Cadu flying into the air.
TNT Sports commentary duo Mike Minray and Clive Allen were particularly scathing in their assessment of the challenge.
"Reckless, stupid, mistimed, ill-timed. Gigot goes, Lazio down to nine," said Minray.
"It's no good coming back \[to see the referee\]; he's saying he played the ball," added Allen.
"The nature of the challenge is horrible - it really is. Two-footed, jumping in, and the momentum carried him through.
"It's a terrible tackle."
'Reckless, stupid!' - Gigot sees red as Lazio reduced to nine men against Viktoria Plzen
Video credit: TNT Sports
However, Lazio agony soon turned into ecstasy when Gustav Isaksen rifled a stunning left-footed finish past Martin Jedlicka after linking up with Matteo Guendouzi.
"They have stolen this game; the definition of smash and grab," exclaimed Minray.
"The first shot of the second half, under huge pressure, two men down and Isaksen has just scored the most unbelievable winner," Allen added.
Minray then added: "He looks like he wants to cry, the manager. Lazio are crying tears of happiness; they cannot believe it."
The two sides meet again at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome next Thursday for the second leg.
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