Athletic Club secured their place in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) quarter-finals with a thrilling 3-1 victory over AS Roma at Estadio San Mamés. The result gave the Basque side a 4-3 aggregate win, ending Roma’s impressive eight-match unbeaten run in European competition.
A Dream Start for Athletic Club
Backed by an electrifying home crowd, Athletic Club pushed forward aggressively, determined to overturn their first-leg deficit. The early minutes were marked by relentless pressing, unsettling Roma, who soon found themselves in deep trouble.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 10th minute when veteran center-back Mats Hummels made a critical mistake. After Maroan Sannadi intercepted a misplaced pass, Hummels lunged in with a desperate last-ditch tackle, missing his mark and receiving a straight red card. Reduced to 10 men so early in the game, Roma faced an uphill battle.
Athletic Club Capitalizes on Numerical Advantage
With a one-man advantage, Athletic dominated possession and created multiple chances. Nico Williams struck the post after cutting in from the left, while Sannadi squandered an opportunity with a poorly executed chip.
Roma, despite their numerical disadvantage, managed to hold their ground for most of the first half. However, just before halftime, Athletic’s attacking persistence paid off. The Williams brothers swapped wings, leading to the opener. Iñaki Williams whipped in a cross from the left, which Sannadi flicked towards Nico Williams. His effort took a significant deflection off Angeliño before nestling into the net, giving the hosts a deserved lead heading into the break.
Roma Struggles to Respond
Roma emerged stronger in the second half, aiming to frustrate their Spanish counterparts. Their best opportunity came through Eldor Shomurodov, the hero of the first leg, who broke free but was denied at the near post by Athletic goalkeeper Mile Svilar.
As Athletic regained control, Alex Berenguer tested Svilar with a powerful shot, forcing a fine save. Eventually, the home side found their second goal from a set-piece. Berenguer delivered a pinpoint corner, met by Yuri Berchiche, whose towering header found the far corner beyond the helpless Svilar. The goal sent the San Mamés crowd into a frenzy as Athletic now led on aggregate.
Nico Williams Seals the Victory
With Roma needing to attack, they found it difficult to carve out chances. The game was put beyond their reach when Nico Williams showcased his brilliance once more. He skillfully maneuvered past Gianluca Mancini before delicately chipping over Svilar, securing Athletic Club’s passage into the quarter-finals.
Roma managed a late consolation through a 93rd-minute penalty from Leandro Paredes, but their disappointing away form in the Europa League proved costly. Having failed to win in their last 11 UEL away fixtures, the Giallorossi now shift their full focus to Serie A.
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