AS Roma’s Europa League opener against Athletic Bilbao ended in disappointment as the Italian side was held to a 1-1 draw, with fan protests and a late equalizer from Bilbao leaving both the players and supporters in frustration. The match, played at a tense Stadio Olimpico, underscored the club’s recent turmoil following the controversial sacking of Roma legend Daniele De Rossi, which has divided fans and raised questions about the club’s direction under new management.
Fan Unrest Overshadows Performance on the Pitch
The tension was palpable from the start as Roma’s most passionate supporters in the southern stand staged a protest, remaining silent for the first 15 minutes of the match. Their discontent stems from the abrupt dismissal of De Rossi, a former captain and club icon, shortly after the departure of Jose Mourinho earlier this year. The fan base’s anger at the club’s American ownership has grown, with many questioning the decision-making that has disrupted the team’s cohesion.
Despite these off-field distractions, Giallorossi took to the pitch with confidence under new coach Ivan Jurić, who was appointed after De Rossi’s sacking. Jurić had begun his tenure with an impressive 3-0 victory over Udinese in Serie A, but the Europa League opener presented a different challenge.
Roma Takes the Lead, but Missed Opportunities Haunt the Team
Roma appeared to have shaken off the early protest-induced tension and began to assert themselves as the first half progressed. Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk, who has quickly become a key figure for Roma, gave the home side a deserved lead in the 32nd minute. The goal came from a beautifully delivered cross by Angelino, which Dovbyk met with a powerful header to beat Bilbao’s goalkeeper and put Roma ahead.
The goal was met with cheers from the previously subdued crowd, as the southern stand came alive to support their team. Roma’s players looked energized after the goal, and Dovbyk had another chance to double the lead shortly after but couldn’t convert. Matias Soule also came close to extending Roma’s advantage, but the finishing touch eluded the home side.
Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, Roma’s inability to put the game to bed would come back to haunt them. Bilbao, who had been on the back foot for much of the game, found a lifeline late in the match.
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Athletic Bilbao Strikes Late with Their Only Chance
Athletic Bilbao had struggled to break down Roma’s defense for most of the match and lacked any significant threat in the final third. However, in football, all it takes is one moment to change the outcome, and Bilbao took full advantage of their only clear chance of the game in the 86th minute.
A free-kick from Alex Berenguer found its way to Unai Gomez, who headed the ball back across the goal, setting up Aitor Paredes for an easy header from close range. The late equalizer stunned the Giallorossi faithful and left the team ruing their missed opportunities to seal the win earlier in the match.
⏱️ FT | Honours even at the Olimpico. #ASRoma | #RomaAthletic | #UEL pic.twitter.com/oJrmGRxQA5
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) September 26, 2024
Bilbao’s goal, while unexpected, highlighted the fine margins of European football, where dominance on the pitch doesn’t always translate into victory. Roma had controlled the game but allowed their opponents back into it with one lapse in concentration.
Fan Protests Add Pressure to Roma’s Management
The draw not only puts a dent in Roma’s Europa League campaign but also raises further questions about the club’s current trajectory. Since the departure of both Mourinho and De Rossi, Giallorossi fanbase has become increasingly fractured. The protests at the Stadio Olimpico were a clear message to the club’s American owners, who have faced criticism for their handling of managerial changes and long-term planning.
In an attempt to address the growing unrest, Roma’s ownership released an open letter to the fans, explaining the decisions made over the past few months and offering assurances about the future of the club. However, these efforts have so far done little to placate the most loyal supporters, who continue to voice their dissatisfaction through protests.
Jurić Faces the Challenge of Balancing On-Field Success and Off-Field Turmoil
New head coach Ivan Jurić finds himself in a difficult position, tasked with delivering results on the pitch while navigating the turbulent atmosphere created by the fan protests. Jurić’s appointment was supposed to mark a new chapter for Giallorossi , but the ongoing discontent in the stands is a constant reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.
Jurić spoke after the match, acknowledging the need for improvement but also defending his players’ efforts. “We controlled the game for the most part, but we have to be more clinical. It’s frustrating to concede from their only chance, but that’s football. We’ll keep working, and I believe we’ll get stronger,” he said.
Looking Ahead: Can Roma Overcome Their Challenges?
Roma’s next Europa League fixture offers a chance for redemption, but they’ll need to address their inconsistency in finishing and tighten up defensively to avoid another late collapse. The protests from the fans also add another layer of complexity for Jurić and his team. If the discontent continues, it could disrupt the squad’s focus and impact their performances in both the domestic league and European competitions.
As for Athletic Bilbao, they’ll be thrilled with the point they earned from what looked like a losing position. For Giallorossi , the road ahead is filled with challenges, and the club must find a way to bring harmony both on and off the field if they hope to achieve their ambitions this season.
