Chris Smalling’s header seals Roma’s second straight win of new Serie A campaign
![Manchester United v Roma – UEFA Europa League – Semi Final – First Leg – Old Trafford](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VtTZ49HujsyifLRfkRLWkR-1200-80.jpg)
Chris Smalling’s header sealed Roma’s second straight win of the new Serie A campaign.
The former Manchester United centre-back nodded home Lorenzo Pellegrini’s cross midway through the second half to extend the unbeaten start for Jose Mourinho’s men.
Juventus were held to a frustrating goalless draw at Sampdoria, with The Old Lady dropping to fourth in the table – one place below Roma.
Another important 3 points ✅ with an amazing atmosphere 🔥. Already thinking about Saturday 💪🏽 @OfficialASRoma 💛❤️ pic.twitter.com/RFzbMJfrxc— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) August 22, 2022
Cristhian Stuani’s low finish set Girona en route to a 3-1 LaLiga win over 10-man Getafe.
The Uruguay striker drilled the hosts into the lead, before Domingos Duarte’s own goal put Girona two goals to the good.
Valentin Castellanos effectively killed the game just past the hour, firing in Girona’s third effort after latching onto Yangel Herrera’s through-ball.
Enes Unal had seen a goal for Getafe chalked off by VAR just minutes earlier.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
Unal did find the net for a goal that counted in the final quarter however, drilling home in what only proved a consolation.
🏁 FINAL⚽️ @CristhianStuani⚽️ Pròpia porteria⚽️ @tatycaste11anos 🤩 Un retorn somiat!🔴⚪️ #GironaGetafepic.twitter.com/m64sX8junZ— Girona FC (@GironaFC) August 22, 2022
In the seventh minute of added time Fabrizio Angileri was sent off for Getafe, compounding a tough night for the visitors.
Almeria shook off the red card for Alex Centelles to grind out a 1-1 draw at Elche.
Umar Sadiq headed Almeria into an early lead, the Nigeria forward converting Lucas Robertone’s cross.
It's Full-time!First point in LaLiga— UD Almería (@UDAlmeria_Eng) August 22, 2022
Alex Collado drilled Elche back level on the half-hour though, after latching onto Roger Marti’s pass.
Centelles was sent off two minutes later, leaving Almeria to battle the majority of the match a man light.
But the visitors clung on, with both sides claiming their first point of the season.
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 5: Arne Slot Manager of Liverpool congratulates Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the 4-0 victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q3ie7X2vDDiU7X6C9HVRK7-840-80.jpg)
‘The pure simplicity of the way Slot has managed the squad is probably the biggest thing I could say about him. It’s not broken, so let’s get on with it’: Liverpool legend full of admiration for Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield
![CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 02: Wales captain Ryan Giggs shakes the hand of manager John Toshack after being substituted on his last International appearance for his country during the Euro 2008 Group D Qualifying Match between Wales and Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium on June 2, 2007 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by (Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ooQ9oNmgvfUUG8TBUhn6BK-840-80.jpg)
‘I trained at Spurs and thought they’d give me a chance. But I received a letter thanking me but saying they didn’t think I was good enough – I was gutted’: How Tottenham missed out on signing Wales legend John Toshack