Goals from Angeliño and Eldor Shomurodov helped AS Roma take the lead in their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 clash against Athletic Club. The 2-1 win extends their unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions.
Roma welcomed their Basque opponents looking to break the deadlock in their head-to-head record (D2). However, Athletic made a strong start, creating early chances from Íñigo Ruíz de Galarreta and Unai Gómez, but neither managed to score. Niccolò Pisilli had Roma’s first shot, but his effort from inside the box was blocked.
Athletic’s Julen Agirrezabala faced the first shot on target, although he had little trouble collecting Artem Dovbyk’s weak shot after a good solo run. Both teams continued to fight for possession, but neither could break the deadlock before half-time. Paulo Dybala came close, curling a shot past Mile Svilar, only to be denied by the woodwork.
In the second half, Athletic took the lead when Aitor Paredes’ loose header was fired home by Iñaki Williams at the back post. But Roma quickly responded, with Zeki Çelik crossing for Angeliño to score. Athletic looked more dangerous for much of the second half, but their efforts from Nico Williams and Unai Gómez were blocked by Roma defenders.
Just when it seemed the match would end in a draw, Roma found a winner. Alexis Saelemaekers played the ball to Shomurodov in the box, and the striker fired past Agirrezabala. Roma now have the advantage going into the second leg in San Sebastián.
