UEL: Roma Oust 10-Man Porto to Reach Europa League Last 16

AS Roma progressed to the Europa League last 16, overcoming Porto 3-2 in the second leg, despite a late consolation goal, to win the tie 4-3 on aggregate.

AS Roma advanced to the UEFA Europa League's last 16, defeating Porto 3-2 in the second leg to win the tie 4-3 on aggregate. This marked Porto's first two-legged European knockout defeat to a Serie A team.

Roma started strongly, with Lorenzo Pellegrini narrowly missing the target with a diving header from Zeki Celik's pass within the first five minutes. Pellegrini then set up Eldor Shomurodov for a headed attempt that went wide, and it seemed only a matter of time before the Italian side broke the deadlock.

However, Porto had other plans. Samu put the visitors ahead 2-1 on aggregate with an impressive overhead kick. The goal was preceded by a goalkeeping error from Mile Svilar, who lost possession but redeemed himself by saving Stephen Eustaquio's attempt. Fabio Vieira then pounced on the loose ball, and after his initial shot was blocked, he nodded the rebound towards Samu, who scored with an unstoppable volley.

Roma quickly regained parity through Paulo Dybala's delightful finish. Dybala's goal was the result of excellent link-up play with Shomurodov, initiated by Manu Kone's tenacious work in midfield. Dybala expertly chipped the ball over Diogo Costa to level the score and set the stage for a thrilling second half.

Manu Kone played a crucial role in Roma's second goal as well, providing the assist for Paulo Dybala to unleash a precise left-footed strike past Diogo Costa at the near post. This goal gave Roma a 3-2 aggregate lead at halftime.

The match took a significant turn in the 51st minute when Porto's Stephen Eustaquio was shown a straight red card for an altercation with Leandro Paredes. Referee Francois Letexier reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor before dismissing Eustaquio. With Porto now down to 10 men, Roma sought to capitalize on their numerical advantage.

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Eldor Shomurodov had two opportunities to extend Roma's lead, but he first blasted a close-range attempt over the bar and then had another effort ruled out for offside. Meanwhile, Evan Ndicka was fortunate to avoid a red card for a foul on Samu, who then struck the post with a shot. Roma's dominance eventually paid off when Niccolo Pisilli clinically converted Angelino's cross, securing their place in the last 16.

Although Porto's hopes of a comeback had been largely extinguished, they managed to score a consolation goal deep into stoppage time. Devyne Rensch inadvertently turned a Goncalo Borges cross into his own net, providing a minor reprieve for Porto in an otherwise disappointing evening. Roma, meanwhile, will look forward to Friday's draw, where they will face either Athletic Club or Lazio.