In a compelling Europa League showdown on Thursday, Jamaican international Leon Bailey marked his triumphant return from injury with a crucial assist, propelling Serie A leaders Roma to a 2-1 victory against Danish contenders FC Midtjylland at the Stadio Olimpico.
The winger, who joined the Italian club on loan from Aston Villa during the summer transfer window, had been sidelined for Roma’s three preceding matches after sustaining a thigh injury during training. This setback represented merely the latest in a series of frustrating physical challenges that have limited Bailey’s playing time since his arrival in Italy.
With Roma holding a narrow 1-0 advantage courtesy of Neil El Aynaoui’s early strike, manager José Mourinho introduced Bailey as a second-half substitute. The Jamaican international made an immediate impact, delivering a precision pass to Stephan El Shaarawy in the 83rd minute that resulted in Roma’s decisive second goal.
This marked Bailey’s first direct goal contribution for his new club, providing a significant confidence boost for the talented attacker after months of rehabilitation and limited participation. Despite a late consolation goal from Midtjylland’s substitute Paulinho in the 87th minute, Roma’s defense maintained composure to secure three valuable points in their European campaign.
The performance demonstrated Bailey’s potential value to the Serie A leaders as they continue competing on multiple fronts this season, offering promising signs for his integration into Mourinho’s tactical system following his injury struggles.