Athletic Bilbao has faced Roma twice in the ongoing UEFA Europa League (UEL) season (D1, L1) but now aims for a successful third encounter after a 2-1 defeat in the initial match in Italy. Struggling to maintain their form, Athletic has not won in three consecutive competitive matches (D1, L2), a first for this season following a 1-1 draw against Mallorca in La Liga.
With a crucial need to capitalise on their home ground advantage, there is reason to believe the Lions can overturn the one-goal deficit. They have triumphed in all four UEL matches at San Mamés this season, with three of those victories secured by a two-goal margin or more. Their impressive track record in continental competitions includes eight wins out of ten games hosted against Italian teams in Europe (D1, L1).
As Roma aims to replicate Torino’s success as the sole Italian team to achieve victory in a European away match in Bilbao. They come into this with a winning streak of six games and an unbeaten run of eight matches (7 wins, 1 draw) following their 1-0 triumph over Empoli in Serie A last Sunday. Like their opponents, they have suffered two defeats in this tournament this season (5 wins, 4 draws), but they have remained undefeated in their last four Europa League games (3 wins, 1 draw) as they continue their resurgence under Claudio Ranieri’s leadership.
However, Roma’s weakness on the road is evident, as they have failed to win any of their last ten away Europa League matches on foreign soil (6 draws, 4 losses). Yet, a performance similar to their previous away game in Spain (a 0-0 draw against Real Sociedad en route to the 2022/23 final) would be adequate for the two-time runners-up of the Europa League/UEFA Cup to advance. Nonetheless, achieving draws has proven challenging in Spain, where they have only secured victory in two of their last 12 European away fixtures (2 draws, 8 losses).
Players to keep an eye on: Nico Williams has netted thrice in Athletic’s recent four games, scoring twice between the 55th and 70th minute. However, his two goals in the UEFA Europa League matches this season came as opening strikes between the 20th and 35th minute. On the other hand, Roma’s defender Angeliño is set to create an impact in his home country following his two goals scored after the 55th minute in the last four games.
Impressive run: Roma has advanced from nine consecutive major European fixtures where they led after the first leg.
