The UEFA Europa League had a full set of group stage matches on Thursday, November 5, 2009 including AS Roma v Fulham. Here’s a recap along with video highlights of the match.

AS Roma beats Fulham 2-1 – Video Highlights

Roma had the advantage of a home crowd but Fulham was the one to take the lead in the first half. . The English club took their chances when they were there and were able hold the Roma attack in check. The goal came in the 19th minute from a penalty kick scored by Diomansy Kamara, who also was the player how earned the penalty. It was a great start for Fulham who were playing with lots of confidence.

The first half was very competitive with both teams getting chances but neither able to convert any of them. Fulham had a few changes from their regular line-up as Clint Dempsey played up front with Kamara rather than an attacking midfield role. It would end at 1-0 for Fulham after 45 minutes.

A horrible decision from Erik Nevland (who subbed in for Kamara at halftime) was given a red card early in the 2nd half. It was a tackle from behind after he’d given the ball away and clearly a yellow, but not as clear that it was a straight red. The goal came Roma confidence and forced Fulham to play much more defensive. Dempsey would be the only forward/striker in the new formation.

Roma began to get some good chances in the second half and Fulham didn’t seem likely to hang on for 40 or so minutes playing a man down. The home side would tie it up around the 69th minute as John Arne Riise had a shot deflected off a few players and into the back of the net. The score was no 1-1 with about 20 minutes left and all the momentum with Roma. Fulham had to aim for a draw as their chances of scoring another goal were not great.

Roma would take the lead only a few minutes after the Riise goal as the Fulham defense struggled late. Stefano Okaka Chuka scored on a header in the 76th minute as he was unmarked and in front of goal. Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer almost saved it as he got a hand on it but it wasn’t enough. Roma led 2-1 with Fulham needing something great to get any points out of the match.

Fulham hopes of a late goal took a major hit in the 90th minute as Paul Konchesky was given a straight red card for a late tackle. It was a poor challenge and definitely a yellow but a little harsh for a red. Roma would end with a solid 2-1 victory but Fulham remains in decent shape in the group standings.