UEL: Lazio Edge Plzen to Reach Europa League Quarterfinals

Lazio advance to the Europa League quarterfinals after Alessio Romagnoli's late header secures a 1-1 draw and 3-2 aggregate win over Viktoria Plzen.

A late Alessio Romagnoli goal proved decisive as Lazio secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Viktoria Plzen at the Stadio Olimpico, advancing to the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals for the first time in five years. The draw sealed a 3-2 aggregate victory in the round of 16, ending Plzen's European campaign.

Plzen faced a daunting task, requiring their first away European knockout stages win since 2014 to stay alive. Moreover, they had not tasted victory on Italian soil in 12 years. Despite these challenges, the Czech side made a promising start, almost taking the lead in spectacular fashion. Pavel Sulc expertly flicked the ball into the path of Lukas Kalvach, whose thunderous volley from just inside the area forced Ivan Provedel into a spectacular flying save after just five minutes.

Ivan Provedel narrowly avoided a costly mistake just seven minutes later, as his errant pass found its way to Matej Vydra. The Plzen forward unleashed a shot that clipped the top of the crossbar, sending a collective sigh of relief through the Lazio faithful.

As the half progressed, Lazio began to exert genuine pressure on the visitors. Pedro showcased his skill with a neat turn and shot, forcing Martin Jedlicka to make a spectacular diving save, tipping the ball around the post. Shortly after, Jedlicka was again called into action, ensuring Nuno Tavares' low-driven effort flashed just wide. Despite these chances, Lazio failed to find the back of the net before the break, marking only the third time in nine matches they had been held scoreless in the first half. However, Provedel's save from Lukas Cerv's clean strike in the dying seconds ensured the teams entered the interval on level terms.

Lazio advance to the last 8 🦅#UEL pic.twitter.com/xKszb66iGI

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 13, 2025

The second half brought a shift in momentum, and just seven minutes after the restart, Lazio's aggregate lead was erased. Plzen's sustained pressure finally paid off when Rafiu Durosinmi knocked down Lukas Kalvach's cross, allowing Pavel Sulc to power home his fourth UEFA Europa League goal of the season, leveling the tie.

Lazio responded by launching a relentless attack on the Plzen penalty area, but clear scoring opportunities were scarce. A tame effort from Gustav Isaksen, which was easily saved by Martin Jedlicka, was the only notable chance created by Marco Baroni's side. However, the tie took a decisive turn in the final 15 minutes, courtesy of Alessio Romagnoli. The same player who scored the opener in the first leg rose highest to meet Mattia Zaccagni's corner, heading the ball against the post and over the line before the goalkeeper could intervene.

With their aggregate lead restored, Lazio were able to see out the remainder of the match, denying Plzen the opportunity to force extra time. The Czech side's European campaign came to a close, with their away form in the UEFA Europa League remaining a concern, having secured just two wins in their last 19 road matches. Meanwhile, Lazio advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will face Bodo/Glimt.