- Athletic Bilbao overturned their first-leg deficit to beat Roma 3-1 and reach the Europa League quarter-finals
- Mats Hummels’ early red card changed the game, allowing the Basques to dominate
- Nico Williams scored twice, securing Bilbao’s progression with the Europa League final set to be played at their home stadium
Key Takeaways:
Athletic Bilbao secured a place in the Europa League quarter-finals after a dramatic, tense, and emotional 3-1 victory over Roma in the second leg. After a 2-1 defeat in Rome last week, this result was enough to send the Basque side through to the next round. Their motivation in the tournament is doubled, as the final will be played at their home stadium in Bilbao this May.
Athletic Club complete the second-leg comeback 🔴⚪️#UEL pic.twitter.com/lEm4eZYoWx
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 13, 2025
The clash was billed as a final before the final and lived up to the hype. Ahead of the match, violent clashes between Roma and Bilbao ultras broke out in the city, requiring police intervention. Tensions carried onto the pitch from the 11th minute when Mats Hummels fouled an Athletic forward breaking away and was shown a straight red card by referee Clement Turpin.
With Roma reduced to 10 men, the game completely changed. Athletic Bilbao pressed forward while the visitors set up in a deep, disciplined defensive line. However, in the final moments of the first half, Nico Williams found the back of the net to level the aggregate score.
In the 68th minute, Yuri Berchiche headed in a second goal from a corner, punishing Roma for a lapse in defending set-pieces. Claudio Ranieri’s side had held firm in open play but was undone by a dead-ball situation. The game was put beyond doubt in the 82nd minute when Nico Williams struck again, finishing off a powerful run from the wing to seal the victory. Roma were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, which Leandro Paredes converted, but there was no time left for a comeback.