Football fans across the globe love a good showdown, and the recent Roma vs. Athletic Club clash in the UEFA Europa League delivered exactly that. This matchup, part of the Round of 16 in the 2024-25 season, showcased two teams with rich histories, passionate supporters, and a fierce determination to advance. On March 6, 2025, Roma hosted Athletic Club at the iconic Stadio Olimpico, and the game turned into a rollercoaster of emotions. With the second leg still to come on March 13, this first encounter set the stage for an epic battle. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting match, explore the teams’ journeys, and break down what happened on that electric night in Rome.
The Build-Up: Two Teams Hungry for Glory
Roma and Athletic Club entered this Europa League Round of 16 tie with plenty at stake. Roma, a powerhouse in Italian football, boasts a legacy filled with domestic success and notable European runs. Meanwhile, Athletic Club, hailing from Spain’s Basque Country, carries a unique identity with its policy of fielding only Basque players. Both clubs arrived in March 2025 eager to leave their mark on the competition, and their recent form hinted at a tight contest.
Roma, under the guidance of veteran manager Claudio Ranieri, enjoyed a resurgence in the months leading up to this match. After a shaky start to the season, the Giallorossi found their rhythm, stringing together an impressive six-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. Their home form at the Stadio Olimpico turned into a fortress, with 10 wins and just one draw in their last 11 outings. On the flip side, Athletic Club rolled into Rome with confidence, despite a recent hiccup. The Basque side racked up three victories in their last eight matches but stumbled in their latest La Liga game against Atletico Madrid. Still, their attacking flair and resilience made them a dangerous opponent.
The first leg promised fireworks, and fans buzzed with anticipation. Roma aimed to capitalize on their home advantage, while Athletic Club hoped to snatch a vital away goal. With both teams eyeing a spot in the quarterfinals, the stakes couldn’t climb higher. Supporters filled the stands, waved flags, and chanted loudly, setting the scene for a memorable night.
First Half: A Cagey Affair with Missed Chances
The referee blew the whistle, and the match kicked off at 8:00 pm GMT on March 6, 2025. Roma wasted no time asserting their dominance, pushing forward with intent. The home side controlled possession early, stringing together crisp passes and probing Athletic Club’s defense. Artem Dovbyk, Roma’s top scorer, looked lively upfront, darting into dangerous positions. However, Athletic Club’s backline, anchored by Aitor Paredes and Dani Vivian, stood firm and repelled Roma’s advances.
Athletic Club settled into the game after the opening exchanges and began testing Roma’s resolve. Iñaki Williams, the elder of the famous Williams brothers, showcased his pace and power, troubling Roma’s defenders. Despite missing star winger Nico Williams due to an ankle injury, the Basque side created chances. Álvaro Djaló fired a shot from distance, but it sailed high and wide, leaving goalkeeper Mile Svilar untested. Roma responded with a move of their own, as Paulo Dybala unleashed a curling effort that narrowly missed the target.
The first half unfolded as a tactical chess match, with both teams prioritizing structure over risk. Roma carved out a golden opportunity just past the 30-minute mark when Angeliño whipped in a pinpoint cross. Dovbyk rose high and connected with a powerful header, only to see Athletic Club’s stand-in goalkeeper, Julen Agirrezabala, pull off a stunning save. The crowd roared in appreciation, but the scoreboard stayed blank. As the half drew to a close, the tension mounted, and fans sensed that a breakthrough loomed on the horizon.
Second Half: Goals, Drama, and a Red Card Shake Things Up
The teams emerged from the tunnel with renewed energy, and the second half exploded into life. Athletic Club struck first, stunning the Stadio Olimpico faithful in the 50th minute. Iñaki Williams latched onto a clever through ball from Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and powered into the box. With Roma’s defense caught flat-footed, Williams nodded a close-range header past Svilar, sparking wild celebrations among the traveling supporters. The Basque side grabbed a 1-0 lead, and Roma faced an uphill battle.
However, Roma refused to back down and mounted a swift response. Just six minutes later, in the 56th minute, Angeliño ignited the home crowd with a moment of magic. The Spanish wing-back collected the ball on the left flank, cut inside, and unleashed a fierce strike that rocketed into the net. Agirrezabala stretched desperately but couldn’t stop the equalizer. The Stadio Olimpico erupted, and Roma regained momentum, sensing a chance to turn the tide.
As the clock ticked on, the game grew frantic, with both sides trading blows. Athletic Club’s defense tightened, but cracks began to show. In the 86th minute, disaster struck the visitors when Yeray Álvarez picked up a second yellow card for a reckless challenge. The referee brandished the red card, reducing Athletic Club to 10 men. Roma smelled blood and piled on the pressure, throwing everything forward in search of a winner. Substitutions flew in, with Ranieri introducing Eldor Shomurodov to bolster the attack, while Athletic Club dug in to protect their point.
Stoppage Time Heroics: Shomurodov Steals the Show
The fourth official signaled six minutes of added time, and Roma seized their moment. With Athletic Club clinging on, the Giallorossi launched one final assault. In the 94th minute, Shomurodov delivered the decisive blow. Bryan Cristante lofted a hopeful ball into the box, and the Uzbek striker outmuscled his marker, chested it down, and smashed a low shot past Agirrezabala. The stadium shook with noise as Roma clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory, snatching a crucial lead ahead of the second leg.
Athletic Club’s players slumped in disbelief, while Roma’s bench erupted in jubilation. The late strike handed Roma a slender advantage, but the tie remained wide open. Iñaki Williams’ goal keeps the Basque side in contention, and their home ground, San Mamés, promises a hostile welcome for Roma on March 13. The first leg showcased grit, skill, and heart-stopping moments, leaving fans eager for the rematch.
FAQs
What happened in the Roma vs. Athletic Club match on March 6, 2025?
Roma defeated Athletic Club 2-1 in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie at the Stadio Olimpico. Iñaki Williams scored for Athletic Club in the 50th minute, but Angeliño equalized in the 56th, and Eldor Shomurodov netted a stoppage-time winner in the 94th. Athletic Club’s Yeray Álvarez received a red card in the 86th minute, leaving his team with 10 players.
How does the result affect the second leg on March 13, 2025?
Roma holds a 2-1 lead heading into the second leg at San Mamés, giving them a slight advantage. However, Athletic Club’s away goal means a 1-0 victory at home would tie the aggregate score at 2-2, potentially forcing extra time or penalties. Roma needs to defend smartly, while Athletic Club must attack to overturn the deficit.
Who were the standout players in the first leg?
Angeliño and Eldor Shomurodov starred for Roma, with the former scoring the equalizer and the latter grabbing the winner. Iñaki Williams shone for Athletic Club, scoring the opener and posing a constant threat. Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta also impressed with his midfield play until Roma’s late surge.
What role did the red card play in the match’s outcome?
Yeray Álvarez’s red card in the 86th minute shifted the momentum decisively toward Roma. Athletic Club, reduced to 10 men, struggled to contain Roma’s pressure in the closing stages. The numerical advantage allowed Roma to push forward and secure the winning goal in stoppage time.
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