AS Roma progressed to the UEFA Europa League last 16 with a 3-2 second-leg victory to prevail 4-3 on aggregate over Porto, who suffered their first two-legged European knockout defeat to Serie A opposition.
AS Roma secured their place in the UEFA Europa League last 16 after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Porto, sealing a 4-3 aggregate win in their knockout tie. Paulo Dybala was the star of the show, scoring twice in the first half, while Porto’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Stephen Eustaquio saw red early in the second half.
This result marks Porto’s first-ever two-legged European knockout defeat to Serie A opposition, ending their hopes of progressing further in the competition.
Bright Start for Roma as Pellegrini and Shomurodov Threaten
With the tie finely poised, Roma came out aggressively, looking to strike early and take control. Inside the opening five minutes, Lorenzo Pellegrini came close, sending a diving header over the bar after connecting with a lofted pass from Zeki Celik.
Roma continued to push forward, and Pellegrini was involved again, setting up Eldor Shomurodov, whose header narrowly missed the target. With relentless attacking pressure, it seemed inevitable that the home side would score first.
Porto Strike First as Samu Stuns Roma
Despite Roma’s dominance, it was Porto who struck first, stunning the Italian side with a spectacular goal from Samu.
A misplaced pass from Roma’s goalkeeper, Mile Svilar, gifted Porto possession in a dangerous area. Fabio Vieira’s initial shot was blocked, but Samu reacted quickest, producing an unbelievable overhead kick to fire Porto into a 2-1 aggregate lead.
Dybala’s Double Turns the Game in Roma’s Favor
Porto’s lead didn’t last long, as Paulo Dybala took matters into his own hands. The Argentine forward combined brilliantly with Shomurodov and showed incredible composure to dink the ball over Porto’s goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, bringing Roma level.
Dybala’s double sends Roma through #UEL pic.twitter.com/GgGbl8CIbT
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 20, 2025
Just minutes later, Dybala struck again, this time with a clinical left-footed shot at Costa’s near post, following excellent build-up play from Manu Kone. His brace turned the tie on its head, giving Roma a 3-2 aggregate lead heading into halftime.
Porto Reduced to 10 Men as Eustaquio Sees Red
Roma’s advantage grew even stronger early in the second half, as Porto were reduced to 10 men.
Referee Francois Letexier was called to the pitchside monitor following an altercation between Eustaquio and Leandro Paredes. After reviewing the incident, Eustaquio was shown a straight red card for striking Paredes in the face, leaving Porto with a mountain to climb.
Shomurodov Denied as Roma Push for More
With a man advantage, Roma looked to put the game beyond doubt. Shomurodov had a golden opportunity to add to Roma’s lead but blazed a close-range shot over the bar. Minutes later, he found the back of the net, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Porto nearly found a lifeline, as Samu’s powerful strike hit the post, with Evan Ndicka fortunate not to be sent off after committing a clear foul in the buildup.
Pisilli’s Late Strike Seals Roma’s Qualification
Roma finally put the tie to bed when Niccolo Pisilli finished a precise cross from Angelino, making it 3-1 on the night and effectively ending Porto’s chances of forcing extra time.
Porto did manage a late consolation goal, as Goncalo Borges’ cross deflected off Devyne Rensch and into the net in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late.
Roma March Into the Last 16
With this victory, Roma advance to the UEFA Europa League last 16, where they will face either Athletic Club or Lazio, depending on Friday’s draw.
Porto, meanwhile, are left to reflect on a missed opportunity in a thrilling but ultimately disappointing European campaign.
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