AS Roma advanced to the UEFA Europa League last 16 with a thrilling 3-2 victory in the second leg, securing a 4-3 aggregate triumph over Porto, who were handed their first-ever two-legged European knockout defeat by Serie A opposition. The tie was evenly poised, and it was Roma who started the game on the front foot, nearly breaking the deadlock within the first five minutes. Lorenzo Pellegrini rose to meet Zeki Celik’s lofted pass with a diving header, but it sailed just over the bar.
Pellegrini was involved again shortly after, setting up Eldor Shomurodov, whose header went wide of the target. Roma’s early dominance made it seem like only a matter of time before they would take the lead. However, Porto had other plans. Samu scored a vital goal that put the Portuguese side ahead 2-1 on aggregate in stunning fashion.
Roma’s goalkeeper, Mile Svilar, made a critical error in possession, but he was fortunate to redeem himself by denying Stephen Eustaquio. However, Fabio Vieira capitalized on the loose ball, and after Mancini blocked his first shot, Vieira found Samu, who finished with an audacious overhead kick to give Porto the advantage.
The visitors’ joy was short-lived, though, in what was a dramatic first half. Roma responded swiftly as Paulo Dybala equalized with a brilliant dinked finish over Porto keeper Diogo Costa, following some excellent buildup play involving Shomurodov and Manu Kone, whose midfield determination had set up the chance. Kone was again key in Roma’s second goal, as he assisted Dybala’s powerful left-footed strike past Costa at his near post, giving Roma a 3-2 aggregate lead going into the break.
The second half began with a setback for Porto, as they were reduced to 10 men just six minutes in. Referee Francois Letexier consulted the pitchside monitor after a scuffle between Eustaquio and Leandro Paredes, and Eustaquio was shown a straight red card for striking Paredes, who theatrically fell to the ground clutching his face.
Roma pressed on, looking to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Shomurodov came close to extending their lead but fired a close-range effort over the bar. Moments later, his attempt was ruled out for offside.
Porto had a lucky escape as well, with Roma’s Evan Ndicka fortunate not to receive a red card for fouling Samu just before the latter’s shot struck the post. With Porto’s hopes of a comeback fading, Roma sealed their progress in the dying moments. Niccolo Pisilli converted Angelino’s cross with clinical precision to make it 3-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate, ensuring Roma’s place in Friday’s draw, where they will face either Athletic Club or Lazio.
Porto did manage to score a consolation goal deep into stoppage time, when Devyne Rensch inadvertently turned a Goncalo Borges cross into his own net, but it was too little, too late for the visitors.
