Europa League: Lazio Advance, Roma Eliminated in Dramatic Night for Italian Clubs
Lazio secured their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night, while fellow Italian club AS Roma suffered a heartbreaking exit. It was a night of mixed emotions for Italian football fans, as Fiorentina also progressed in the UEFA Conference League.
Lazio Survive to Reach Europa League Quarter-Finals
The Biancocelesti booked their spot in the next round with a 1-1 draw against Viktoria Plzen at the Stadio Olimpico. Lazio had the advantage going into the match after winning the first leg 2-1 in the Czech Republic. They completed the job at home with a hard-fought draw, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory.
The key moment of the match came from 30-year-old Italian defender Alessio Romagnoli, who found the back of the net to give Lazio a crucial goal. Despite Plzen’s efforts to mount a comeback, Maurizio Sarri’s side held firm to ensure their progression. Lazio will now turn their attention to the quarter-final draw as they look to continue their European adventure.
Roma Knocked Out by Atletico Bilbao
While Lazio celebrated, AS Roma faced heartbreak in Spain. The Giallorossi were eliminated from the Europa League after a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Atletico Bilbao at San Mamés. Roma had drawn 1-1 in the first leg at home, meaning they needed at least a draw or a narrow victory in Spain to advance.
However, their hopes were dashed by a stunning performance from Nico Williams, who played a decisive role in Bilbao’s triumph. Roma fought hard and managed to score three goals, but it was not enough to overturn the Spanish side’s relentless attacking display. With a 5-4 aggregate loss, José Mourinho’s men saw their European campaign come to a disappointing end.
Fiorentina March On in the Conference League
Meanwhile, in the UEFA Conference League, Fiorentina delivered an impressive performance to qualify for the quarter-finals. The Viola faced Panathinaikos in the second leg of their tie, winning 3-1 to overturn their first-leg deficit and secure a 4-3 aggregate victory.
The Italian side showed great resilience and attacking quality to get past the Greek club, keeping their hopes alive in Europe’s third-tier competition. With Lazio and Fiorentina moving forward in their respective tournaments, Italian football still has representatives in European competitions, despite Roma’s elimination.
The quarter-final draws for both the Europa League and Conference League will now determine the next challenges for Lazio and Fiorentina as they aim for fu
rther European glory.
