Today : Apr 29, 2025
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29 April 2025

Pedro Rescues Lazio In Thrilling 2-2 Draw Against Parma

Ondrejka's early brace for Parma is matched by Pedro's late double, keeping Champions League hopes alive.

On a thrilling Monday night at the Stadio Olimpico, Lazio and Parma battled to a dramatic 2-2 draw in their Serie A clash on April 28, 2025. The match, which was originally scheduled for an earlier date but postponed due to the funeral of Pope Francis, showcased a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams, with Ondrejka's early brace for Parma countered by a late equalizer from Pedro.

Parma shocked the home crowd by taking the lead just three minutes into the match. Valeri made a swift run down the left flank, delivering a precise cross to Ondrejka, who expertly controlled the ball and slotted it past Lazio's goalkeeper Mandas into the bottom corner. This early goal set the tone for a match filled with tension and excitement.

Despite their initial setback, Lazio struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. They had a couple of attempts, including a shot from Castellanos that was disallowed for offside in the 38th minute, but they were unable to break through Parma's solid defense. Instead, it was Parma who looked more dangerous on the counterattack, with Sohm testing Mandas with a long-range effort in the 12th minute.

The second half began in a similar fashion to the first, with Parma doubling their lead just one minute after the restart. Ondrejka struck again, capitalizing on a fortunate deflection to fire a shot into the top corner, leaving Mandas with no chance. With the score at 2-0, it seemed as though Lazio's hopes were fading.

However, Lazio's coach Baroni made a decisive change, bringing on Pedro in the 56th minute for Dia. This substitution proved to be a game-changer. The biancocelesti began to apply pressure, and in the 79th minute, they finally found the breakthrough they desperately needed. After a well-placed cross from Tchaouna, Pedro was on hand to fire home from close range, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.

Just five minutes later, Pedro struck again. This time, he rose highest to meet a floated cross from Pellegrini, directing his header past Suzuki to level the match at 2-2. The Stadio Olimpico erupted as Lazio fans celebrated their team's remarkable comeback.

As the match entered its final moments, both teams had chances to snatch a late winner. Guendouzi came close for Lazio, with a powerful shot saved brilliantly by Suzuki in the 86th minute. At the other end, Parma's Man had a golden opportunity to secure all three points, racing through on goal but firing wide in the dying seconds of the match.

The draw leaves Lazio in sixth place in the Serie A standings, now tied with Roma at 60 points. Meanwhile, Parma climbs to 15th, seven points clear of the relegation zone. The result reflects the ongoing struggle for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the season.

In terms of match statistics, Lazio dominated possession with 62% but struggled to convert their chances into goals. They managed 16 shots, with six on target, while Parma had 10 shots, four of which were on target. The match also saw a number of yellow cards, with Castellanos, Leoni, Hernani, and Djuric all receiving bookings.

Looking ahead, Lazio will need to build on this performance as they aim for a Champions League spot, while Parma will take heart from their resilience in securing a point against a strong opponent. Both teams will be eager to improve in their upcoming fixtures as the Serie A season approaches its climax.

Overall, the match was a testament to the unpredictability of football, showcasing the highs and lows that come with the beautiful game. As the players left the pitch, fans were left buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating the next round of action in Serie A.