By Alan Duffy
Everton 2-1 Dynamo Kiev – Europa League Last 16 First Leg – 12th March 2015
Romelu Lukaku inspired Everton to a much-needed victory at Goodison Park on Thursday night, as the Toffees came from a goal down against Dynamo Kiev.
The hosts started slowly and found themselves a goal down on 14 minutes, courtesy of Oleg Gusev’s close-range effort. However, eventually the Toffees woke up, with Lukaku starting to make his presence felt up front. The equaliser eventually came just before the break, with Steven Naismith coolly finishing after a powerful run from Lukaku, much to the relief of the home fans who have endured a difficult season.
In the second period, the Merseysiders went close on a number of occasions before the winner finally came, after Danilo Silva had handled in the box. It was fitting that Lukaku should be the man to fire home the spot-kick, with the star of the game becoming Everton’s all-time top-scorer in Europe (with seven goals).
While taking a 2-1 lead to Kiev still leaves the Toffees vulnerable, this victory will have given Roberton Martinez and co. a much-needed boost.
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Highlights…
Photos: Getty Images
Highlights: Footytube