By [Your Name] – March 14, 2025
Athletic Club The thrilling saga of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 continues with AS Roma heading to the Basque Country for the highly anticipated second leg against Athletic Club. After securing a dramatic last-minute victory in the first leg at the Stadio Olimpico, Roma now hold a slight advantage with a 1-0 lead. However, with everything to play for, the return leg promises to be another heart-stopping encounter with both teams desperately vying for a place in the quarterfinals.
In what will be a historic clash, the teams will battle for supremacy at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, where the atmosphere is sure to be electric. With their eyes set on a spot in the quarterfinals, both managers face crucial decisions that could make all the difference.
Table of Contents
A Recap of the First Leg – Roma’s Narrow Advantage
In a nerve-wracking first leg in Rome, it was Matías Soulé who became the hero, netting the only goal of the match in the 92nd minute to give Roma a crucial 1-0 lead. The victory, though sweet, was far from straightforward. Roma’s defense held firm under pressure, but it was Soulé’s last-gasp strike that ensured Roma would take the slender advantage into the second leg.
As Roma now prepare to travel to Spain, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation. Athletic Club will look to bounce back strongly, aiming to overturn that deficit in front of their home crowd. On the other hand, Roma knows that a solid defensive display could see them through to the next round.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Both teams come into this match with a full complement of players, with only a few minor doubts surrounding the final selection.
Athletic Club: Key Players to Watch
Athletic Club’s manager will likely stick with his favored 4-2-3-1 formation, and the team is expected to feature some of their standout performers, including forward Iñaki Williams, who is always a threat on the counter-attack. Williams’ pace and physicality make him a crucial player for Athletic, and he will be looking to exploit any space left by Roma’s defense. Additionally, midfielder Iker Muniain will be crucial in dictating the tempo of the game and providing the necessary link-up play.
In defense, Athletic Club has been solid but vulnerable at times, and they will need to tighten up if they are to prevent Roma from exploiting any gaps. Goalkeeper Unai Simón will be under heavy scrutiny and will need to produce a top-tier performance to keep his side in the game.
AS Roma: Who Will Lead the Line?
Roma, under the guidance of manager Claudio Ranieri, has been enjoying a relatively successful season in all competitions. With a 1-0 lead from the first leg, Ranieri has a slight cushion, but he will be aware that the tie is far from over. The key decision for Ranieri revolves around his forward line, where the likes of Artem Dovbyk and Eldor Shomurodov are both vying for a starting spot.
Dovbyk, who was Roma’s big-money summer signing, has shown glimpses of his potential but has yet to establish himself as a regular starter. In contrast, Shomurodov has been in excellent form recently, providing vital contributions in 2025. The Uzbek international’s hard work and sharp movement could be just the weapon Roma needs on the counter-attack.
In midfield, Roma’s experienced duo of Leandro Paredes and Bryan Cristante will be tasked with controlling the game, breaking up Athletic’s attacks, and distributing the ball efficiently to the forwards. Meanwhile, the solid defensive pairing of Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibañez will be key in keeping out any set-piece threats from Athletic Club.Athletic Club Athletic Club
Tactical Battle: What to Expect from Both Teams
As both teams gear up for the second leg, the tactical approach will be critical.
For Athletic Club, the challenge will be breaking down Roma’s defense. Known for their high pressing game, Athletic will look to apply pressure early and force Roma into mistakes. They’ll aim to use their wide players, including Muniain and Nico Williams, to stretch the Roma defense and create opportunities in wide areas. Quick transitions and exploiting Roma’s defensive spaces will be the primary strategy for the home side.
For Roma, managing the game’s tempo will be key. Ranieri is likely to set up his side to be compact and disciplined, especially in the first half. With a narrow advantage to protect, Roma will look to stay organized defensively and utilize their counter-attacking game to punish Athletic’s potential defensive vulnerabilities. If Roma can score an early goal, it would significantly reduce the pressure on their shoulders, but they must be cautious not to concede, as a goal from Athletic would level the tie on aggregate.
Player to Watch: Matías Soulé
One player who has been turning heads for Roma recently is Matías Soulé. The Argentine forward, who scored the crucial goal in the first leg, has been in fine form this season and has quickly become one of Roma’s standout performers. With his technical ability and knack for finding space in tight areas, Soulé will be a major threat in this second leg. Expect him to be involved in Roma’s counter-attacking moves, and if Roma manages to break quickly, he will be one of the key players looking to finish off any chances.
Predictions: Can Athletic Overcome the Deficit?
With a 1-0 lead, Roma has the advantage, but Athletic Club are far from out of the contest. San Mamés is known for its electrifying atmosphere, and with the crowd behind them, Athletic will surely be pushing for an early goal to level the tie. A single goal would give them the momentum to drive for another and potentially take the lead on away goals.
For Roma, they will need to weather the early storm. If they can keep a clean sheet for the first 60 minutes, the pressure will shift to Athletic, who will need to open up in search of a goal. Roma’s ability to capitalize on counter-attacks, combined with their solid defensive shape, could make them favorites to progress.
Score Prediction: Athletic Club 1-1 Roma (Roma to win on aggregate)
Conclusion: A Historic Clash in Bilbao
The second leg between Athletic Club and Roma promises to be an enthralling encounter. With so much at stake, the match will come down to the finest of details—whether it’s a moment of brilliance from a star player or a key tactical adjustment by the manager. Roma’s slight advantage gives them a solid foothold, but Athletic Club will be fighting tooth and nail to overturn the deficit and secure their place in the quarterfinals.
As the teams step onto the pitch in Bilbao, the stage is set for another unforgettable night of European football. Be sure to tune in for what promises to be an exciting and dramatic conclusion to this Europa League Round of 16 tie. Athletic Club Athletic Club