Athletic Club made the mystique of the San Mamés Stadium count and pulled off one of those comebacks that remain engraved in the memory. With the encouragement of their fans, the red-and-whites overcame a 2-1 deficit from the first leg to beat Roma 3-1 and secure their ticket to the quarterfinals of the Europa League. Nico Williams' brace and Yuri Berchiche's goal were enough to tip the scales in a match marked by the early dismissal of Mats Hummels for the Italian team.
A Match That Started With A Shock And Soon Turned Around
Athletic came out with all the energy that a European comeback demands and from the start took the initiative. However, the first big chance fell to Roma, who could have made things difficult for the lions. Bryan Cristante came close to silencing San Mames with a shot against the post in the opening minutes, a warning that the Italian team would not make it easy for the home side.
But everything changed shortly after with the action that ended up setting the course of the match. In an unfortunate move for Roma, Mats Hummels lost the ball and, in his attempt to correct the mistake, fouled Maroan Sannadi. The referee did not hesitate to show him a straight red card, leaving Claudio Ranieri's team with ten players after just 11 minutes.
The expulsion completely conditioned Roma's approach, which had to retreat and leave the initiative to Athletic. The lions, led by the speed of the Williams brothers, began to generate constant danger. Nico came very close to opening the scoring with a shot that hit the post, while Maroan also had a clear chance that went wide.
Nico Williams Leads the Way to the Comeback
Athletic's siege finally paid off just before halftime. In a play in which Iñaki and Nico Williams exchanged positions, the younger of the brothers took advantage of a loose ball in the area to beat Mile Svilar and make it 1-0. San Mamés exploded with excitement and Ernesto Valverde's team went into the break with the tie level.
With morale high, the Red and Whites came out in the second half with the conviction of completing the comeback. Roma, despite the numerical inferiority, tried to react and had a clear opportunity with a shot by Baldanzi that went wide. However, Athletic did not lower their intensity and continued to generate danger.
Alex Berenguer, who came on after the break, came close to scoring the second, but Svilar made a great save to keep the Italians alive. However, the local push did not stop and, after a corner kick in the 68th minute, came the goal that brought the lions closer to qualification.
Yuri Berchiche Gives Yuri Berchiche the Advantage and Nico Delivers the Judgment
Athletic's second goal came from a set piece. Yuri Berchiche, with an accurate header, made it 2-0 and unleashed madness in the Cathedral. Roma was completely cornered and without answers to the intensity of the Bilbao team.
The final blow came minutes later, when Nico Williams appeared once again to score his brace with a superb goal. With a great individual play, the red and white winger left his marker behind and scored with quality to make it 3-0. San Mamés was vibrating with the performance of his team, who had managed to turn the tie around with authority.
The game seemed to be over, but in stoppage time, Roma won a penalty that Leandro Paredes converted to make it 3-1. Despite the goal against, Athletic never looked in danger of qualifying and closed an unforgettable night for their fans.
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A Firm Step Towards European Glory
With this victory, Athletic advances confidently to the quarterfinals, where they will face either Rangers or Fenerbahce in an attempt to continue dreaming of the final on May 21, which curiously enough will be played at San Mamés.
The lions showed that they are ready to compete at the highest level and that their fans are a key factor on big European nights. The illusion in Bilbao is more alive than ever, and Valverde's team is clear that it wants to continue making history in the Europa League.
