AS Roma will take on Athletic Club at the Stadio Olimpico on March 6, 2025, for the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 clash. The importance of this encounter grows as both teams navigate the high stakes of knockout-stage football, where every moment counts.
Previously, these two clubs faced off during the group stage, battling to a hard-fought 1-1 draw, with Artem Dovbyk netting for Roma before Aitor Paredes equalized for Athletic Club late in the match. This history adds another layer of intensity to the upcoming game, making fans eager to witness how both sides have evolved since their last encounter.
Having recently overcome FC Porto, Roma enters this match riding high on confidence and strong home form. Their head coach, Claudio Ranieri, has cultivated a formidable atmosphere at the Olimpico, where they boast an impressive record of winning 10 of their last 11 games. This streak has seen them flying high within Serie A and aiming for tournament glory.
Not only have they secured consecutive victories, but Roma also demonstrated their offensive prowess by scoring at least two goals in six out of their seven competitive fixtures at home this season. The Giallorossi's recent success includes standing firm defensively, conceding only one goal across their last four encounters.
Meanwhile, Athletic Club, under the management of Ernesto Valverde, grappled with inconsistency after enduring a narrow 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid. This loss marked the end of their six-match unbeaten run, adding pressure as they approach the match in Rome. Historically successful on the European stage, Athletic Club has had their own highs, yet their recent road performances paint a stark picture—with four consecutive matches without victory.
Despite these struggles, Athletic will aim to leverage their formidable attacking threat, primarily through the Williams brothers, who are known for their speed and creativity. Their attacking midfield is also expected to feature some fresh talent as Oihan Sancet's return remains uncertain, potentially leading to Alex Berenguer stepping up if Sancet cannot play.
Checking on the starting line-ups, Roma will field their key players, including Paulo Dybala, Tommaso Baldanzi, and Artem Dovbyk, all integral to their attacking play. Dybala has been particularly productive, with notable contributions recently, including goals and assists, which have bolstered Roma's push for European success.
On the other hand, they will miss Leandro Paredes due to suspension from accumulated bookings, but returning players like Alexis Saelemaekers and Bryan Cristante are likely to fill the gap, controlling the midfield and providing defensive stability.
Reflecting on the match dynamics, Bryan Cristante shared insights before the game, emphasizing their familiarity with the pressure cooker of European nights: "It’s true several of my teammates and I are used to games like this, we definitely know what to expect. But these one-off European matches are always difficult. Let’s just say our experience can be an asset. Though, Athletic play a bit differently from the traditional Spanish style.”
This sentiment showcases Roma's tactical preparation, as they study their opponents to make successful adjustments coming off their previous encounter. The intriguing balance of play—Athletic’s technical finesse against Roma’s physicality—ensures this game will captivate spectators from start to finish.
Both managers will likely rely on strategic decisions during the game, especially concerning substitutions and tactical shifts as the match progresses. For Ranieri, the challenge will be to convert home advantage not just for pride, but to set the tone for the second leg next week.
With all axes pointing to this highly anticipated Europa League showdown, the outcome could significantly shape the course of both clubs. Roma aims to uplift its fans by moving one step closer to ending their trophy drought, whereas Athletic Club seeks to maintain their European momentum, making this encounter pivotal for both teams.
The Stadio Olimpico, with its vast capacity and enthusiastic followers, will undoubtedly provide an electrifying atmosphere for the clash. Fans tuning in should expect not just fireworks on the pitch but also the drama and emotion synonymous with knockout football. Undoubtedly, this epic battle could define the dreams and aspirations of both clubs this season.