Goals by Inaki Williams (50’),
Angelino (56’),
Shomurodov (90+4’); VAR-reviewed winner.
In a match dripping with tension, controversy, and late-game heroics, AS Roma pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Athletic Bilbao 2–1 in a UEFA Europa League thriller. A 96th-minute winner by substitute Eldor Shomurodov, validated after a nerve-shredding VAR review, capped a chaotic finale that saw Bilbao reduced to 10 men and Roma’s bench erupt in jubilation.
1. Bilbao Strike First Through Williams’ Header
Athletic Bilbao dominated early phases, and their persistence paid off in the 50th minute. Aitor Paredes flicked a corner into the six-yard box, where **Inaki Williams** nodded home to give the hosts a deserved lead. Roma’s defense, shaky on set pieces, was punished for switching off.
2. Angelino’s Stunning Equalizer
Roma responded swiftly. In the 56th minute, left-back **Angelino** cut inside onto his favored right foot and curled a picture-perfect strike into the bottom-left corner, rattling the post before it nestled in. The goal ignited Roma’s belief, shifting momentum toward the Italian side.
3. Yeray’s Red Card Tilt the Balance
Bilbao’s task grew harder in the 85th minute when center-back **Yeray Alvarez** received his second yellow for a reckless challenge. Reduced to 10 men, Bilbao’s defense began to creak under Roma’s relentless pressure.
4. Shomurodov’s VAR-Validated Winner
Deep into stoppage time, substitute **Alexis Saelemaekers** danced past tired legs and squared to **Eldor Shomurodov**, who fired a low drive past Julen Agirrezabala. Chaos ensued as referee Sandro Scharer reviewed the goal for offside, but the strike stood—sparking wild celebrations from Roma’s players and staff.
- **Roma’s Resilience**: Claudio Ranieri’s substitutions proved pivotal. Saelemaekers and Shomurodov injected energy, while Matias Soule’s late runs stretched Bilbao’s defense.
- **Bilbao’s Missed Chances**: Despite dominating possession, Bilbao lacked clinical finishing. Nico Williams and Unai Gomez spurned key opportunities to kill the game before the red card.
- **Set-Piece Woes**: Roma’s vulnerability on corners resurfaced, but their attacking depth ultimately bailed them out.
This was a match that had everything: a red card, a VAR drama, and a last-gasp winner. For Roma, the victory underscores their grit and tactical flexibility under Ranieri. For Bilbao, it’s a bitter pill to swallow after controlling large stretches—but football, as they say, is a game of moments.
– Came off the bench to deliver the decisive blow, showcasing composure under pressure.
Roma will carry this momentum into their Serie A clash against Empoli, while Bilbao must regroup quickly for a pivotal La Liga fixture against Mallorca.