AS Roma triumphed over FC Porto with a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Stadio Olimpico on February 20, 2025, securing their spot in the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League. After their first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, the stakes were high for both teams, and the encounter delivered as expected.
The night started tense as both teams understood the gravity of the situation. Roma, under the guidance of José Mourinho, was eager to leverage its home-field advantage against the Portuguese club managed by Martín Anselmi. Within the opening minutes, Roma could have taken the lead when Lorenzo Pellegrini's header went just over the bar, setting the tone for what would be a pulsate match.
Just past the half-hour mark, Porto pulled the rug from under the Giallorossi with Samu Aghehowa scoring the first goal of the game. A defensive error allowed him the chance to perform a spectacular overhead kick, sending the Porto supporters celebrating. At this moment, it seemed like Roma would need to dig deep to come back.
Yet, the response from Roma was swift and masterful, largely orchestrated by their star player, Paulo Dybala. Just ten minutes after Porto’s opener, he struck back, leveling the score at 1-1 with finesse, calmly executing the job after good interplay with Eldor Shomurodov. Roma fans erupted with joy, their hope renewed as the match remained finely balanced.
But Dybala had another goal on his mind! Just four minutes later, he propelled Roma to the lead, executing another remarkable finish to make it 2-1 and flip the aggregate score to 3-2 in favor of the home side. With his two goals, Dybala showcased not just skill but also his ability to handle the pressure of the moment, showcasing his importance to the team.
The first half ended with Roma enjoying their newfound lead, yet the second half would prove even more challenging for Porto. Just after the resumption, Porto's Eustaquio received his marching orders following a violent conduct review by the referees. That red card was pivotal, as it left the Portuguese side scrambling to regain composure and succumb to Roma's spirit.
Although Porto struggled, they still managed to create opportunities, nearly drawing level when Samu’s shot rattled the post. Yet, as the minutes ticked down, it seems fate pushed Roma forward. Niccolò Pisilli added to the score line with another goal for Roma, cementing their dominance on the night and closing the door on any Porto comeback, making it 3-1.
Even with Porto's late attempt to provoke drama through Devyne Rensch’s own goal deep in stoppage time, Roma’s aggregate lead was secure, sealing the match at 3-2 for the night and confirming their aggregate victory at 4-3. Roma fans leapt to their feet, celebrating their team’s success under the bright lights of their beloved Olimpico.
This monumental victory propels Roma to the aspirations of European football champions, fortifying their position among Europe’s elite clubs. On the other hand, Porto and Anselmi must now regroup and reflect upon what went wrong and how they can improve for future competitions.
Yet, as the champions hail their impressive progression, questions linger for Porto: what will come next after their valiant effort to challenge Roma? Only time will tell if they will recover from this setback.
Roma’s triumph was not just about winning; it was about showcasing resilience and skill under pressure, and it clearly illuminates their ambition within the Europa League. With Paulo Dybala at the forefront, the Romans are poised for an exciting few rounds down the line.