AS Roma secured their place in the next round of the Europa League after defeating FC Porto 3-2 at the Stadio Olimpico on February 20, 2025. Paulo Dybala was the star of the match, delivering a performance reminiscent of Lionel Messi's peak days.
The two teams entered the return leg after their first meeting ended in a 1-1 draw. While Roma had home advantage, FC Porto was no stranger to European competition and had established itself as a resilient side. Manager Claudio Ranieri was optimistic as his team prepared to face Porto again.
The match kicked off with both teams eager to take control. The game had only reached the 27th minute when Samu of Porto opened the scoring with a stunning volley, putting the visitors up 1-0. This ignited hopes for Porto, but AS Roma quickly rallied, with Dybala equalizing shortly afterward. His first goal showcased his skill as he maneuvered through Porto's defenses to tap the ball past the goalie.
With Dybala's confidence growing, he scored again just minutes later, delivering a strike reminiscent of his idol Messi, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement. The first half ended with Roma leading 2-1, having outshot Porto significantly.
The turning point came early in the second half when Porto's Stephen Eustaquio received a straight red card for violent conduct, leaving his team down to ten men. This drastically shifted the momentum of the match, allowing Roma to exert their dominance.
Despite Porto's efforts to regroup, Roma capitalized on their numerical advantage. Niccolo Pisilli added the third goal for Roma with just minutes left, pushing the score to 3-1. Although Devyne Rensch brought some drama by scoring an own goal for Porto at the death, the match ended with Roma's victory.
Post-match, Ranieri expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and Dybala’s standout display, saying, "Dybala's performance was reminiscent of the peak Messi era," which underscored the Argentine's impact on the game.
With this win, AS Roma advanced to the next round, and exciting prospects lie ahead, including the potential for derby clashes with Lazio or set encounters against the Athletic Club. The enthusiastic crowd at Stadio Olimpico celebrated their team's hard-fought victory, confident as they prepare for the upcoming challenges of the Europa League.