It was a night to remember for Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa as he scored his first goal for AS Roma. What’s more, he did in the Rome Derby, the match that means more than any other. But despite the personal glory, after writing his name in the club’s record books with his 85th-minute winner, he insisted: “The main thing was we made sure of our place in next year’s Champions League.”

Here’s what the French defender had to say after Lazio v Roma:

A hugely important victory: Roma win the derby and you’re on the score sheet…
“We know how important games against Lazio are and we know that we always need to win this one. It was even more important tonight and we managed it.”

Did you have a job keeping Lazio’s forwards quiet?
“Yes, they were quite a handful. We know Lazio are a top side because they have quality players like Klose, Felipe Anderson and Candreva. We worked really hard throughout the week so that we’d be ready for this one and I think we played well.”

Are you aware of just what it means to score a decisive derby goal in this city?
“Yes, my team-mates told me that after today I’ll always have a place in Roma history and that’s great, but the main thing was winning and locking down second place and direct qualification to next year’s Champions League.”