Athletic Bilbao vs Roma Europa League
Athletic Bilbao will look to capitalize on their home advantage as they face Roma in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie. The first leg ended in heartbreak for the Spanish side, with Roma snatching a late winner to take a narrow aggregate lead. However, with their impressive home record, Bilbao will fancy their chances of turning the tie around.
📅 Thursday’s Europa League Second Leg Fixtures: High-Stakes Battles Await! 🏆🔥#UEL #EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/4VWqJPhPwu
— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) March 12, 2025
Kick-off is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 5:45 PM (UK time). Fans in the UK can catch the action on TNT Sports or stream it on discovery+, while US viewers can watch online via Paramount+.
Athletic Bilbao vs Roma: Key Stats and Insights
Athletic Bilbao’s Home Fortress
Athletic Bilbao boasts an exceptional home record in European competitions, having won eight of their last ten UEFA home matches against Italian teams (D1 L1). This season, they have been particularly dominant at home in the Europa League, winning all four of their matches.
The Lions have lost just one of their last 16 home games across all competitions (W11 D4) and have scored in 24 of their last 25 UEFA home matches. Their ability to strike first has been a key factor, as they’ve opened the scoring in six of their last eight Europa League games.
Roma’s Resilience in Europe
Roma, on the other hand, are no strangers to high-pressure European ties. The Italian side is unbeaten in their last six UEFA matches against Spanish teams (W2 D4) and has won their last three two-legged ties against Spanish opposition.
The Giallorossi have an impressive record in the Europa League, having won 12 of their last 13 two-legged ties. They’ve also been in fine form recently, winning their last six matches in all competitions. However, their away form will be tested against a Bilbao side that rarely falters at home.
Match Preview: Can Bilbao Overcome Roma’s Aggregate Lead?
The first leg in Rome was a dramatic affair. Athletic Bilbao took the lead through Inaki Williams, but Roma responded with an equalizer from Angelino before Eldor Shomurodov’s stoppage-time winner gave the Italians a crucial advantage.
Now, the tie shifts to San Mamés, where Bilbao’s attacking prowess and home support could prove decisive. The Lions have been nearly unbeatable at home this season, with only Atletico Madrid managing to secure a victory in La Liga. Their ability to dominate possession and create chances will be key to breaking down Roma’s disciplined defense.
For Roma, the challenge will be to maintain their composure and capitalize on counterattacking opportunities. With players like Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini in their ranks, they have the quality to punish any defensive lapses from Bilbao.
Prediction: Athletic Bilbao to Win
While Roma’s recent form and European pedigree cannot be ignored, Athletic Bilbao’s home record makes them favorites to win the second leg. The question remains whether a victory will be enough to overturn the aggregate deficit and secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Given their attacking firepower and resilience at San Mamés, Bilbao should edge this encounter. However, Roma’s ability to grind out results in two-legged ties means the overall outcome of the tie is too close to call.
FAQs Abaout Athletic Bilbao vs Roma:
1. What is the kick-off time for Athletic Bilbao vs Roma?
The match kicks off on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 5:45 PM (UK time).
2. Where can I watch Athletic Bilbao vs Roma?
In the UK, the match will be broadcast on TNT Sports and streamed on discovery+. In the US, it will be available online via Paramount+.
3. What is Athletic Bilbao’s home record in European competitions?
Athletic Bilbao has won eight of their last ten UEFA home matches against Italian teams and all four of their Europa League home games this season.
4. What is Roma’s recent form in the Europa League?
Roma has won 12 of their last 13 two-legged ties in UEFA competitions and is unbeaten in their last six matches against Spanish teams.
5. Who is likely to win the second leg?
Athletic Bilbao is favored to win the second leg due to their strong home record, but the overall tie remains finely balanced.