A former Sheffield Wednesday loanee played in the Champions League last night for his side, but couldn’t help his side claim three points.

Columbian goalkeeper Devis Vasquez spent the 2023/24 season on loan at the Owls, joining from Italian giants AC Milan. The 28-year-old barely played for Wednesday, and after failing to break into the Milan team, he moved to AS Roma on a free transfer.

After injuries to their first and second choice goalkeeper, Vasquez was called upon in the Champions League against Manchester United.

Vasquez Features Against Man United

The Colombian’s first appearance for Roma was a big one. Away at Manchester United in the Champions League. But despite saving a Bruno Fernandes penalty (that was ordered to be retaken following encroachment), he couldn’t prevent the remarkable United comeback.

Pierluigi Gollini was expected to start in goal, but as Football Italia explained, Gollini suffered a back injury in the last training session before the game at Old Trafford. Roma tried to get the keeper through the match using injections, but he wasn’t able to play — up stepped Vasquez.

The 28-year-old made two saves in the game, but had a goal prevention of -0.5, suggesting he conceded more goals than expected. His statistics show one penalty faced, one conceded, but as mentioned above, he saved the initial pen from Fernandes, but the referee ordered it to be retaken.

Faith Shown in Former Sheffield Wednesday Man

Speaking before the game, Roma’s Sporting Director, Tony D’Amico, spoke about how he had faith in the 28-year-old goalkeeper. He told Sky Sport Italia:

“Gollini felt back pain this morning; we tried to get him back in shape, but didn’t manage it, we have faith in Vasquez. This is an opportunity for him, he is one of the four goalkeepers at our disposal and these things happen.

“He will have a big chance, and we are confident he can have a good game.”

Limited Minutes for Sheffield Wednesday

Vasquez joined the Owls after their first game defeat to Southampton. He went straight in as first choice, starting the next nine games. However, he was part of a poor start for the Owls, as he only helped the club pick up two points in his nine Championship games.

In his nine Championship appearances, he received an average Sofascore rating of 6.87. The keeper made 2.6 saves per game and conceded 1.8 goals per game while Wednesday’s number one.

After Xisco was sacked by the club, Vasquez didn’t feature again for the Owls. He was eventually let go when James Beadle joined on loan.

Vasquez went on to join Serie B side Ascoli for the second half of the season. He received an average rating of 7.05, enjoying more success back in Italy than he did with the Owls.

His career since leaving Wednesday saw him move to Empoli on loan in Serie A, playing 32 games, and then to Turkish giants Besiktas, before joining Roma on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old might find himself between the sticks some more for Roma, should their injury issues continue.