Nico Williams scored twice as Athletic Bilbao overturned a first-leg deficit to defeat AS Roma 3-1 at San Mamés, progressing to the Europa League quarter-finals 4-3 on aggregate. The match turned decisively in Bilbao’s favor after Roma’s Gianluca Mancini was sent off early in the first half.
Roma entered the match with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Rome. However, their task was made significantly harder in the 11th minute when Mancini was shown a straight red card for a professional foul.
Athletic Bilbao capitalized on their numerical advantage, though they had to wait until the stroke of halftime to equalize the tie on aggregate. Nico Williams scored from close range, providing a crucial breakthrough.
Left-back Yuri Berchiche put Athletic ahead in the tie for the first time with a glancing header from a corner midway through the second half.
Williams then seemingly secured Bilbao’s passage to the quarter-finals with a superb individual goal in the 82nd minute. He embarked on a jinking run, finishing with a delicate dinked shot.
Roma, however, ensured a nervy finish. Tammy Abraham converted a late penalty to reduce the deficit, but Claudio Ranieri’s side was unable to find an equalizer that would have forced extra time.
Athletic Bilbao will now face either Rangers or Fenerbahce in the quarter-finals. The Basque club are hoping to reach the final, which will be held at their home ground, San Mamés. The victory showcased Athletic’s attacking prowess and their ability to capitalize on key moments, while Roma’s early red card significantly impacted their chances.
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