Mats Hummels redeemed himself in dramatic fashion, scoring a late equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw for Roma in a thrilling, VAR-heavy Europa League clash against Tottenham Hotspur. The veteran German defender’s night began inauspiciously when he conceded a penalty just two minutes in, bringing down Pape Matar-Sarr in the box. Referee Glenn Nyberg initially waved play on, but after a VAR review, the penalty was awarded. Heung-Min Son stepped up and confidently converted, sending Roma keeper Mile Svilar the wrong way and easing early nerves for Spurs.
Tottenham’s opener served as a wake-up call for Claudio Ranieri’s Roma, who responded with intent. Paulo Dybala delivered a sublime cross that Evan N’Dicka headed into the net to restore parity. Roma nearly turned the game on its head moments later when Stephan El Shaarawy found the back of the net, but VAR intervened again, disallowing the goal for offside.
Spurs regained control of the match in the latter stages of the first half. Dejan Kulusevski’s pinpoint cross was turned in by Brennan Johnson to restore Tottenham’s lead. The home side came close to extending their advantage, but a brilliant double save by Svilar denied both Johnson and Dominic Solanke in quick succession, keeping Roma within reach.
The second half saw Roma come out aggressively, pushing for another equalizer. Artem Dovbyk had a frustrating spell as two goals involving him were ruled out for marginal offsides after VAR reviews. Roma’s frustrations deepened when Rodrigo Bentancur’s late sliding challenge on Alexis Saelemaekers drew fury from their bench, though the referee upheld his decision to keep it a yellow card after another brief check.
Despite their second-half dominance, Roma were nearly punished again when substitute James Maddison set up Solanke, but Svilar made yet another outstanding save to keep the Italian side alive. Roma’s persistence finally paid off in the dying minutes when Hummels smashed home from a set piece, making amends for his early error and earning Ranieri’s side their first point of the campaign.
The draw leaves Spurs ninth in the Europa League standings, while Roma sit further back but can take encouragement from a battling performance under their new manager.
