On January 30, 2025, AS Roma secured their place in the Europa League playoffs with a decisive 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt at the Stadio Olimpico. This match was pivotal for the Giallorossi, who needed to win to guarantee their progression to the knockout stage after starting the final matchday positioned within the bottom ranks of the league phase.
Right from the kickoff, Roma displayed intent, reflecting their urgent need for points. Former RB Leipzig full-back Angeliño was particularly involved early on, demonstrating his influence with several threatening runs and attempts on goal. He nearly broke the deadlock when he connected with Artem Dovbyk’s assist but couldn’t convert from just six yards.
Despite Roma's early pressure, Frankfurt's defense, led by Kevin Trapp, held firm. The turning point arrived shortly before halftime when Gianluca Mancini delivered a well-placed cross from the right flank. Angeliño met this cross with a volley from a tight angle, sending the ball past Trapp for the first goal of the evening, just moments before the whistle blew.
After halftime, Eintracht Frankfurt, knowing they had nothing to lose, made adjustments to their lineup, bringing on fresh legs to try to capitalize on any potential mistakes from Roma. Hugo Ekitike was particularly threatening, and he came close to leveling the score, but Roma’s goalkeeper Mile Svilar was quick to snuff out the chance.
With momentum swinging back to Roma, coach José Mourinho decided to utilize his substitutes smartly to maintain control of the match. The combination of Matias Soule and Eldor Shomurodov proved effective. Just after the hour mark, Soule expertly flicked the ball over defender Theate, allowing Shomurodov to strike. The Uzbek forward managed to prevent Tuta from getting close and found the net with confidence, sealing the victory for Roma.
This result firmly positioned Roma for the playoffs, and they will be seeded alongside teams such as Bodo/Glimt, Ajax, and Real Sociedad as they prepare for the next round. Interestingly, the playoff draw will pair them with Viktoria Plzen, but if they succeed, they could potentially face local rivals Lazio, who currently lead their group and boast the head-to-head advantage with superior goal difference.
Commenting on the importance of the match, Mourinho emphasized the need for unity and resilience within the squad. He expressed satisfaction with how the team performed under pressure, stating, "This victory was not just about the three points; it was about our character and determination to reach our goals."
Looking forward to the upcoming playoffs, AS Roma’s supporters are filled with hope as the team continues to seek success not only domestically but also on the European stage. The looming possibility of a derby matchup against Lazio adds another layer of excitement for fans, who are eager to see their side thrive as they navigate through the new tournament structure.
With the playoffs just around the corner, AS Roma will aim to build on this momentum and solidify their standings as one of the teams to watch during this year's Europa League adventures.
Roma’s focus is now set on their next challenge, as each match becomes increasingly significant. Preparation for facing Viktoria Plzen will begin immediately as they aim to march forward confidently, fueled by the resilience demonstrated throughout their recent victory.