Lazio wins and climbs to the Champions League area

Dream Beginning for Lazio

Empole, in an increasingly dangerous position as the season nears its end, needed a victory to keep life's hopes alive in Serie A.

But history wasn't on their side. They had won none of the last 12 confrontations against Lazio. And guests started the game the best way they could: Elseid Hysa served with an excellent ball in the area for Boulaye Dia, who checked it nicely and struck it correctly for 0-1 at the first minute.

Red cartons and dramatic VAR

Empol responded positively, but things got worse when attacker Lorenzo Columbo received the second yellow card just before the break.

Despite that, locals thought they had equalled in the 51st minute, when after a penalty, Mattia Year took the ball to the net. However, THE VAR intervened and the goal was canceled for an off-play position.

Lazio seemed to be easily controlling the rest, but Hysa was also punished with second card in the last few minutes, giving Empol hope for a late return.

Lazio's Decisive Resistance

Despite desperate efforts by locals, the Biancoceles maintained the advantage and even created several opportunities to double the outcome. The victory temporarily transfers Lazio to fourth place on the board, a position which secures the Champions.

Meanwhile, Empoli remains in 19th place, two points out of rescue, and with only three remaining matches to avoid falling out of the category. /Periscopi/