Serie A: Roma Edges Milan 3-1 to Continue Chase for Champions League Spot

AS Roma defeated 10-man AS Roma, continuing their push for a Champions League spot. Leandro Paredes scored a stunning long-range free-kick.

AS Roma maintained their push for Champions League qualification with a 3-1 home win over 10-man AC Milan. The victory puts pressure on the top four in Serie A and effectively ends Milan's European hopes for the season.

Roma got off to a strong start, and their opening goal in the third minute set the tone. The team was riding a 19-match unbeaten Serie A run under Claudio Ranieri, which was only broken by Atalanta last Monday.

Gianluca Mancini headed home Matías Soulé's inswinging corner in the third minute, giving Roma an early lead. Milan might have expected to bounce back, given Roma's recent goal-scoring trend of exactly one goal per game in their last nine league outings. However, things became more complicated for the visitors when Santiago Giménez elbowed Mancini off the ball and was given a straight red card.

As expected, Roma dominated possession after taking the lead, but they struggled to double their advantage. Meanwhile, AC Milan showed signs of life after their Coppa Italia final loss midweek.

Milan's fortunes changed when Álex Jiménez's effort rebounded off Mile Svilar to João Félix, who slotted the ball into the open net for his first Serie A goal, leveling the score. Despite being down to 10 men, Milan continued to create chances, and the game remained competitive after halftime.

The game turned in Roma's favor with a stunning long-range free-kick from Leandro Paredes. He shot from distance, and the ball curled perfectly into the inside of the near post.

Three goals, three points for Roma 🤝#RomaMilan pic.twitter.com/TMWGReSvT2

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 18, 2025

Roma held firm initially against a visibly tired Milan side, but the Rossoneri created more chances in the final 10 minutes. Rafael Leão had a notable opportunity, but Mile Svilar made a crucial save. Despite the pressure, Roma sealed the win with a counterattack. Bryan Cristante scored the decisive goal, firing home after Maignan made a double save.

Claudio Ranieri, who has been on a remarkable run since taking over in November, has always stated that this stint would be a temporary departure from retirement. He'll likely be remembered fondly after his final game at the Stadio Olimpico.

The win has significant implications for the standings, as AC Milan's hopes of European football are now effectively over. Even if Milan manages to overtake the seventh-place team, they'll only secure a European spot if Bologna, who are cup winners and already guaranteed a European spot, somehow finish below them – a highly unlikely scenario.