Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel has articulated the team’s deep sense of disappointment after their 3-1 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16. Despite a narrow 1-0 victory at home in the first leg, Lazio faced an uphill battle in reaching the tournament’s quarterfinals for the first time since 2000.
Early in the second leg, Lazio’s momentum appeared to shift. Star striker Ciro Immobile narrowly missed a crucial header, and shortly thereafter, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane capitalized to break the deadlock. Thomas Muller’s goal before halftime further solidified Bayern’s lead, and Kane’s second goal sealed Lazio’s fate with a final score of 3-0.
“It is a pity, because up until the first goal it was a balanced match, and that is what leaves a bitter taste in our mouths,” Provedel told Sport Mediaset.
“It’s also a shame that there were four officials on the pitch and none of them noticed it wasn’t a corner for the second goal. However, we cannot cling to these incidents and must tip our hats to our opponents.
“When you play against teams of such a high level in the Champions League, details and incidents make the difference. You know that there are probably going to be few chances and you have to make the most of them. We did not do that and they did.
“It was similar in the first leg, as we could’ve scored more goals there too.”
At least Provedel made history in this Champions League campaign by managing to score a goal from open play in the opening 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.
“It is not much consolation right now, I’m afraid.”