Instant Impact As Paulo Dybala Scores in Just 69 Seconds After Being Subbed On for Roma

Instant Impact As Paulo Dybala Scores in Just 69 Seconds After Being Subbed On for Roma

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:11 PM
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  • Argentine playmaker Paulo Dybala needed just 69 seconds to make an instant impact in AS Roma's comprehensive win against HJK Helsinki
  • Dybala, a second-half substitute, broke the game's deadlock with basically his first touch - his perfectly timed effort strolled past the outstretch HJK goalkeeper
  • His goal against the Finnish outfit is his first for the Giallorossi in Europe since completing a free transfer move to the Italian capital this summer

Paulo Dybala climbed off the bench to inspire AS Roma to an emphatic home win against HJK Helsinki in the Europa League.

Dybala, who was a halftime substitute, needed less than two minutes to break the game's deadlock for the Giallorossi - his first European goal for Roma since joining this summer.

His goal spurred Mourinho's charges on as fellow summer signing Andrea Belotti and club captain Lorenzo Pellegrini added gloss to ensure Roma picked their first win of the competition.

Paulo Dybala, AS Roma, UEFA Europa League
Paulo Dybala climbed off the bench to score his first European goal for AS Roma against HJK Helsinki. Photo credit: @bwin_portugal
Source: Twitter

Following a shock away loss to Ludogrets, Mourinho effected changes to his lineup which saw the Portuguese coach drop the Argentine playmaker to the bench.

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However, his decision proved ineffective with the team lacking creativity and extra bite up front the ex-Chelsea, Man United and Spurs manager shuffled his cards at halftime.

Smalling and Dybala were subbed on after recess and it was the latter of the two who lifted the home crowd with a devastating first-time shot to draw first blood for Roma, a minute and nine seconds after his substitution.

Up next for the ex-Juventus attacker and his teammates is a crunch home game against Atalanta on Sunday, September 18.

Paulo Dybala kisses Mourinho's hand after inspiring AS Roma to a comprehensive victory

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Roma boss Jose Mourinho and Paulo Dybala shared a heartwarming moment together after the latter inspired the Giallorossi to a comprehensive win over Monza.

The celebrated football manager has not hidden his admiration for Dybala, with the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur coach singling the 28-year-old out for praise.

And the Argentine playmaker repaid the confidence reposed in him by Mourinho with an awe-inspiring performance against Monza on Tuesday night.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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