AS Roma and FC Porto battled to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League playoff at Porto's Estádio do Dragão, leaving everything to play for when they meet again at the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma took the lead just before halftime with Zeki Çelik scoring after a quick counter-attack orchestrated by Tommaso Baldanzi. The Turkish defender found the net following a composed build-up, giving the visitors hope for a successful outing. The goal came just minutes after Roma managed to capitalise on some early pressure exerted by Porto.
Porto, boasting home advantage, started aggressively, with several attempts to open the scoring, but the relentless yellow shirts managed to keep their defense intact for the most part. Paulo Dybala played his part but went off injured after just 39 minutes, which was disappointing for the visitors.
After Cesare Rubini had already settled down the team, Roma continued to create chances through Dovbyk and Pellegrini before Çelik’s goal finally broke the deadlock.
Heading out for the second half, hopes ran high for Roma, who managed to maintain control. Porto, eager to get back on level terms, threw more bodies forward. The move proved fruitful as Francisco Moura found the back of the net after 67 minutes, driving the ball home through deflections, catching goalkeeper Mile Svilar off guard.
The game's momentum shifted dramatically after Bryan Cristante of Roma received a second yellow card and was sent off following contact with Moura, leaving his side down to ten men, much to the frustration of coach Claudio Ranieri. "That second yellow was disappointing and left us with quite the challenge," said Ranieri post-match, visibly irritated with the officiated decisions.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Roma held firm against Porto's late surge and clung on for the draw. The Roman side did well to frustrate the hosts, who were desperate for the win. Numerous yellow cards were handed out during the match with nine overall, highlighting the tension on the pitch.
"We are proud of how we defended and managed to get out of moments of pressure against Porto," said Çelik. "It’s always tough to play against such quality teams at their home ground." He went on to express confidence about the upcoming second leg, affirming, "We want to win at home and qualify for the next stage."
Porto had multiple chances to claim victory, particularly from set-pieces and powerful shots from outside the area, but found themselves thwarted by disciplined defending from Roma.
With the scores locked at 1-1, the tie is finely balanced heading back to Rome for next week’s decisive return leg, where both teams will vie for progression to the next stage of the competition. Roma will be without Cristante and Saelemaekers due to suspensions, which makes the task even more challenging for the Italian side.
The next encounter promises to be thrilling with both teams now aware of the stakes involved. FC Porto's quest to gain some domestic stability alongside their European ambitions will only add to the electric atmosphere expected at the Olimpico next Thursday.
While the visitors aim to carry the momentum from this hard-fought draw back to Italy, the hosts will undoubtedly seek to convert their chances more effectively and press for advancement.
Ranieri's squad continues to chase redemption not just regionally but on the European stage, with this clash marking another chapter in their storied rivalry.