Roma's elimination from the Europa League has not only shocked fans but also ignited significant controversy, particularly surrounding two of its players: Mats Hummels and Artem Dovbyk. The club suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao on March 13, 2025, during the second leg of the Round of 16, which sealed their fate in the prestigious European tournament.
The match, held at the San Mames Stadium, started poorly for Roma when they found themselves down 1-0 just before halftime. Athletic's Iñaki Williams scored the first goal at the 45+3 minute mark. Following the break, Williams found the net again, bringing the score to 2-0 by the 68th minute. Athletic's Mikel Berchiche added another goal shortly after, pushing the score to 3-0 by the 82nd minute. Roma's Leandro Paredes managed to convert a penalty to minimize the damage with only seconds remaining on the clock, but the late effort proved insignificant.
Compounding Roma's troubles, defender Mats Hummels received a direct red card, complicifying the team's chances and leading to heavy scrutiny of his performance. Just one day after the match, Hummels took to Instagram to express his regret. He stated, "Sorry, Roma. I want to apologize to the fans and teammates. I let the team down, the mistake was just terrible. This was one of those matches where the team had to rely on me, but I let everyone down. It cost the club elimination from the Europa League. I don’t know what else to say, I’m as upset as you all are." His admission highlights the heavy burden players carry, especially when their mistakes have significant consequences.
Meanwhile, criticism aimed at forward Artem Dovbyk reached fever pitch as many pundits voiced their disappointment. The 27-year-old Ukrainian player was particularly blamed for missing opportunities and failing to effectively support his team, especially after Hummels’ red card left the squad down to ten men. Notable football commentator Roberto Pruzzo remarked, "Roma played with nine men. I've never seen a center-forward play like this. Ranieri did well to take him out. After this, I would also question his future."
Other analysts followed suit, with Fabrizio Romondini stating, "I did not see Dovbyk show urgency or the will to fight, as others did." Maurizio Coppola added, "Hummels and Dovbyk should be ashamed; they spoiled Roma's season," underscoring the widespread dissatisfaction with the duo's performances. Mario Corsi was even more blunt, saying, "If the club sells Dovbyk, it would be doing all Roma fans a favor. Sorry, but he shows no courage." Such statements reflect the harsh reality players face when results turn sour.
The fallout from the match extended beyond player performance. Tensions boiled over among fans outside the stadium, with clashes erupting between Roma supporters and local police. Reports indicated there were 14 arrests and several injuries, including two police officers from the Basque Country. The police had to intervene repeatedly to restore order as bottles and other objects were hurled at them, indicating the heightened emotions surrounding the team's disappointing exit from the tournament.
Even after the dust settled, voices from the sporting community echoed the earlier discontent surrounding Dovbyk's lack of performance. Journalist Alessandro Cristofori remarked, "Unfortunately, some players, like Dovbyk, did not realize the game changed after the red card," pointing to a fundamental disconnect between the player’s mindset and the match's realities.
The repercussions of Roma's performance not only clouded this season but also raised questions about the future of several players. Having struggled drastically, players like Dovbyk could find themselves on the transfer market as the club reassesses its roster. With murmurs about potential signings and departures circulating, the coming weeks are likely to be pivotal for Roma and its management as they look to reestablish their competitive edge.
With the curtain now drawn on their European aspirations this season, Roma faces a tough road ahead. Balancing the expectations of passionate fans, internal team dynamics, and the stark realities of performance will be no small feat. It remains to be seen how Hummels and Dovbyk respond to this criticism moving forward and whether they can help the club turn things around.
Roma now has the opportunity to regroup and reflect as they aim to move forward with resolve, learning from this bitter exit and striving to resurrect their fortunes both domestically and on the European stage.