Soccer-Roma end Lyon run to reach last eight

LYON, France, Mar 7 (Reuters) AS Roma denied Olympique Lyon a fourth consecutive Champions League quarter-final spot when they beat the five-times French champions 2-0 in the second leg of their first knockout round tie at Gerland.

Lyon, who had not lost any of their 18 previous home games in European club soccer's premier event, fell behind on 22 minutes with a powerful header by Roma captain Francesco Totti from a Max Tonetto cross.

Brazilian midfielder Mancini sealed the Italians' place in the last eight with a superb goal just before halftime, racing into the box from a swift counter-attack and twisting his way past Lyon defender Anthony Reveillere to fire into the top corner.

Roma, featuring in the knockout phase of the Champions League for the first time, had been held to a 0-0 draw by Lyon in the first leg at the Stadio Olimpico.

They were clearly the better side in the first half and defended tightly under sustained pressure in typical Italian fashion after the break.

''The team were perfect tonight,'' said Roma coach Luciano Spalletti yesterday. ''We played well from the start, scored two great goals and my team did not react when Lyon's players provoked them in the last few minutes.

''They did exactly what they had to do and that was to play great football for 90 minutes. I'm very proud of them.'' Lyon, who had a terrible start to the year but had suggested they were back on form with a 3-1 Ligue 1 win at St Etienne on Saturday, looked strained and short of ideas on a rainy night that shattered their European dreams.

''It hurts but Roma were the better team tonight, you have to admit it,'' said Lyon coach Gerard Houllier.

''Our two problems tonight were that we were not dangerous enough up front and that also collectively, we were not as strong as you have to be on a occasion like this. It was simply not our night.'' The home side threatened for the first time on 19 minutes with an angled free kick from just outside the area by Brazilian playmaker Juninho which Roma goalkeeper Doni struggled to clear.

Lyon kept trying their luck in the second half and created a few chances, notably an attempt by Juninho and a powerful volley by Swede Kim Kallstrom, both denied by brilliant saves from Doni.

As time moved on, however, the French side grew increasingly nervous, Brazil striker Fred elbowing Roma defender Cristian Chivu in the face on 80 minutes without being noticed by Spanish referee Manuel Mejuto Gonzalez.

The Italians were missing experienced right back Christian Panucci because of a fever but that did not stop the four in charge of the defensives duties, and notably Frenchman Philippe Mexes, from putting up a faultless display.

''This is tough but our season is far from over,'' Houllier said.

''We have two objectives left. There are many clubs who would like to be in that sort of situation.'' REUTERS SY SSC1023