Gasperini: penalty gave them momentum, this defeat will help us

Roma lost 3-2 at Manchester United after leading 2-0, with Gasperini saying the penalty swing momentum and the team must ease pressure on results.

Roma suffered another Champions League comeback defeat, losing 3-2 at Old Trafford to Manchester United after being 2-0 up. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini contrasted the loss with Roma's earlier 3-4 home defeat to Real Madrid, saying this match taught the team more. "The penalty gave them great momentum," Gasperini told Sky Sport. "This was a different match."

Gasperini acknowledged Roma's defensive struggles in the second half, particularly after United's penalty. "They had nothing to lose and started pressing high. We should have played differently and used long balls, but we couldn't contain their attacking players," he said. He noted the team may need to ease the pressure of chasing results at all costs. "This defeat serves us more than the others," Gasperini added, suggesting the loss provides valuable lessons for the future.