Lazio 2-2 Lecce: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic snatches point at the death for Maurizio Sarri’s side in Serie A clash

Lazio left it late to boost their Champions League qualification hopes, as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic netted an injury-time leveller to secure a 2-2 draw with Lecce.

Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio began the day with their destiny in their own hands in the race for the top four and looked on course for three points when Ciro Immobile fired them ahead.

Two goals from Remi Oudin either side of half-time stunned the Roman club, but Milinkovic-Savic snatched a point for Lazio at the death.

There was pressure on both sides, and it appeared to weigh on Lazio more in the early stages as they struggled to find rhythm.

Lecce’s focus is on staying up, and they were handed a great chance to take the lead when Elseid Hysaj bundled into the back of Alexis Blin to concede a penalty on 23 minutes.

Gabriel Strefezza stepped up, but fired the ball wide and salt was rubbed into open wounds when Lazio took the lead.

Immobile found space in the box, took a superb first touch to cushion a pass from Luis Alberto to set up the chance before finishing with precision.

Milinkovic-Savic had a chance to double Lazio’s lead, but his low shot was kept out by the right boot of ‘keeper Wladimiro Falcone.

The importance of Falcone’s save was emphasised when Lecce went forward in injury time at the end of the first half to draw level. Oudin collected a pass before arrowing a low shot into the corner to stun the home fans.

The Stadio Olimpico was left in a state of shock on 51 minutes as Lecce took the lead. Oudin scored with his left foot on the stroke of half-time, and it was his right that put Lecce ahead as he drove home Strefezza’s pass from the edge of the box.

Falcone made another big save on 76 minutes, this time with his left foot, to deny Immobile what seemed a certain goal.

Lazio’s race looked run when Pedro hit a post late on, but Lecce failed to clear their lines deep in injury time and Milinkovic-Savic turned the ball home.

With three games remaining in the season, Lazio are on 65 points and still have breathing space in the race for the top four.

The late goal will hurt Lecce, but the draw moves them five points clear of the drop zone.