AS Roma clinched their spot in the round of 16 of the Europa League with a thrilling 3-2 victory over FC Porto at the Stadio Olimpico on February 20, 2025. The Giallorossi's win completed a comeback after the teams were tied 1-1 on aggregate following the first leg.
Paulo Dybala emerged as the match-winner, scoring two key goals and playing a pivotal role throughout the game. His first equalizer came just before halftime, canceling out Samuel Omorodion's opening goal for Porto.
Porto started strong, with Omorodion finding the net early on (27th minute), giving visitors the lead and putting pressure on Roma. But Dybala quickly responded, scoring the equalizer just minutes later (35th minute) with a clinical finish following assists from Eldor Shomurodov and Manu Koné, bringing the score to 1-1.
The match shifted dramatically when Porto's Stephen Eustáquio was sent off early in the second half after being adjudged to have violently tackled Roma's Leandro Paredes. The red card sparked controversy, with commentators criticizing the decision, and Roma manager Claudio Ranieri himself calling the referee Francois Letexier "an enfant prodige" due to the questionable officiation. Ranieri added, "The game changed entirely after the sending-off, and we broke through their defenses accordingly."
With Porto reduced to ten men, Roma seized the initiative, dominating possession and creating numerous scoring chances. Dybala soon struck again, this time finding the back of the net from a precise pass by Manu Koné (39th minute), making it 2-1 and putting the hosts on the path to victory.
Despite the pressure, Porto managed to keep the game within reach and even struck the post with shortly after, as Samu Aghehowa's shot nearly equalized. Yet, desperation grew for Porto as substitute Niccolò Pisilli secured Roma's third goal (83rd minute), extending their lead to 3-1. Assisted by Angeliño, Pisilli's right-footed strike sealed the fate of the match, or so it seemed.
Porto fought back with tenacity, and just as the final seconds drew near, Devyne Rensch of Roma inadvertently turned the ball past his own goalkeeper during a scramble, bringing the score to 3-2. This own goal provided Porto with some fleeting hope, but Roma held their composure to navigate the remaining minutes.
The final whistle confirmed Roma's progressive success, with the team winning 4-3 on aggregate over the two legs. The victory not only propels them to the next stage but also sets up the possibility of facing city rivals Lazio, or the Spanish club Athletic Bilbao, when the draw takes place soon.
The excitement among fans was palpable as supporters erupted with joy, celebrating their team's performance and their coach's tactical astuteness. With the round of 16 matches scheduled for March 6 and 13, the anticipation builds as Roma not only aspires for glory but also aims to showcase their mettle among Europe's elite.
Despite controversies surrounding the officiation, the star performance of Dybala and the resilience shown by the Roma players against the odds will be remembered as one of the highlights of this Europa League campaign.
With their eyes set on bigger prizes, AS Roma continues to write new chapters of potential triumph and resilience within the echoed halls of the Stadio Olimpico.