Athletic Bilbao vs AS Roma: No Stopping Nico as Lions Run Through Roma: Athletic Bilbao secured a UEFA Europa League quarter-final spot after an impressive 3-1 victory over AS Roma at Estadio San Mamés. The result overturned a 2-1 first-leg deficit, with Bilbao progressing 4-3 on aggregate. Nico Williams was the star of the night, inspiring his side to a thrilling win over a Roma team that played most of the game with 10 men.
Athletic Bilbao vs AS Roma: First-Half Drama
The match began at a frantic pace, with Bilbao showing clear intent to overturn their deficit. Roma, however, made a disastrous start as Mats Hummels received a straight red card in the 11th minute for a reckless last-man challenge on Maroan Sannadi.
Despite the numerical advantage, Bilbao struggled to find the breakthrough. Sannadi saw a close-range effort saved, while Nico Williams struck the post with a powerful shot after cutting in from the left. The Giallorossi defended resolutely, but their resistance was finally broken just before halftime. Iñaki Williams delivered a cross from the left, which Sannadi headed into the path of Nico Williams, who fired past Mile Svilar with the help of a deflection from Angeliño, putting Bilbao 1-0 up at the break.
Athletic Bilbao vs AS Roma: Second-Half Brilliance
Roma started the second half with renewed discipline, but Bilbao continued to push forward. In the 68th minute, Yuri Berchiche made it 2-0 with a stunning header from Álex Berenguer’s corner, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
The tie was effectively sealed in the 82nd minute when Nico Williams struck again. The winger dribbled past Gianluca Mancini before calmly chipping the ball over Svilar, making it 3-0 and securing Bilbao’s place in the quarter-finals.
Roma managed a consolation goal in stoppage time, as Leandro Paredes converted a 93rd-minute penalty, but it was too little, too late.
Athletic Bilbao vs AS Roma: Key Statistics and Match Insights
- Possession: Athletic Bilbao 70% – 30% AS Roma
- Goal Attempts: Athletic Bilbao 23 – 5 AS Roma
- Expected Goals (xG): Athletic Bilbao 1.52 – 1.02 AS Roma
- Pass Accuracy: Athletic Bilbao 91% – 69% AS Roma
- Shots on Target: Athletic Bilbao 8 – 2 AS Roma
Bilbao’s dominance in possession and attacking play proved too much for a Roma side that struggled to recover from their early red card.
Athletic Bilbao vs AS Roma: What’s Next?
Bilbao’s victory sends them into the Europa League quarter-finals, where they will face Bayer Leverkusen in a highly anticipated clash. Roma, meanwhile, exit the competition and will now shift focus to their Serie A campaign.
Athletic Bilbao vs AS Roma: Video Highlights
Watch the full highlights of Athletic Bilbao’s thrilling 3-1 comeback victory below:
Conclusion
Nico Williams delivered a match-winning performance as Athletic Bilbao came from behind to eliminate AS Roma. With their European dream still alive, the Lions will now prepare for their next challenge in the quarter-finals.
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