Lazio finished top of the Europa League group stage despite a 1-0 defeat at Sporting Braga on Thursday as the Portuguese side failed to secure a playoff spot.

Lazio suffered an unlucky and ultimately irrelevant defeat to SC Braga, as they still topped the Europa League table in this opening phase.

Marco Baroni thanked Lazio players for ‘sacrificing themselves’ in unusual roles and securing top spot in the Europa League table, but shrugs off the prospect of facing Roma in the Round of 16. The Aquile were the only side going into the final matchday who knew their place in the Round of 16 was secure,

Lazio must defend the top spot in the Europa League table but travel to Braga without many starters, including Matteo Guendouzi and with Mario Gila expected to start in central midfield.It kicks off