The Roma vs Viktoria Plzeň fixture on matchday three of the UEFA Europa League was supposed to be a straightforward affair for the Italian giants. Instead, the Stadio Olimpico was silenced as the Czech side produced a tactical masterclass and a stunning display of clinical finishing to secure a famous 2-1 victory, throwing the group wide open.
It was a classic tale of a first-half blitz meeting a second-half resurgence that fell agonizingly short. For Roma, it’s a disastrous result that jeopardizes their qualification hopes. For Viktoria Plzeň, it’s a night that will live long in the memory—a perfectly executed away-day ambush.
So much drama. 🍿#UEL pic.twitter.com/GIxI167Lcj
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 23, 2025
The Two-Minute Blitz That Stunned Rome
From the first whistle, Roma controlled possession, but it was Plzeň who carried the lethal threat. The match was turned on its head in a stunning two-minute spell that left the Giallorossi reeling.
The nightmare for the home side began in the 20th minute. A rapid counter-attack saw the ball worked to Prince Kwabena Adu, who found space and unleashed a precise finish to put the visitors 1-0 up. The goal itself was a shock, but before Roma could even regroup, Plzeň struck again.
Just two minutes later, in the 22nd minute, the Olimpico was stunned into silence for a second time. This time, it was Cheick Souaré who found the back of the net, capping off another incisive move. The Plzeň bench erupted. With less than a quarter of the match played, the Czech side had built a 2-0 lead, executing their game plan to absolute perfection.
Roma, despite their star-studded lineup, looked rattled. They dominated the ball for the remainder of the half but created little, repeatedly running into a disciplined and organized Plzeň defensive block.
Roma vs Viktoria Plzeň: A Second Half of Desperation
The second half saw a predictable response from the home side. Roma laid siege to the Plzeň goal, playing with a renewed sense of urgency. Their lifeline came just nine minutes after the restart.
In the 54th minute, a Roma attacker was brought down inside the box, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Paulo Dybala stepped up, and the Argentine superstar made no mistake, calmly slotting the penalty home to make it 2-1. The goal ignited the crowd and signaled a complete shift in momentum.
For the next 35 minutes, it was one-way traffic. The Roma vs Viktoria Plzeň match transformed into an attack-versus-defence training exercise. Roma pushed, probed, and threw everything they had at the visitors.
A Resolute Defensive Stand
This is where Viktoria Plzeň truly won the match. Far from crumbling under the pressure, their defence became a fortress. They absorbed wave after wave of Roman attacks, throwing bodies on the line and defending their box with incredible discipline.
The visitors were not afraid to do the “dark arts” of defending, either. As Roma’s desperation grew, Plzeň began to disrupt their rhythm with tactical fouls, leading to a flurry of yellow cards. K. Spáčil was booked in the 67th minute, followed by L. Cerv in the 75th, and S. Dweh deep into stoppage time (90’+6).
These weren’t just cynical fouls; they were calculated interruptions, breaking up Roma’s flow and eating up precious seconds. Despite the relentless pressure, Plzeň held their nerve, repelling every cross and blocking every shot to see out a monumental victory.
What This Upset Means for the Group
This result blows the Europa League group wide open. For Viktoria Plzeň, this victory moves them to 7 points from three matches (two wins, one draw), placing them in a commanding position to qualify for the knockout stages.
For Roma, however, this is a catastrophe. The loss leaves them with just 3 points from three games (one win, two losses). They are now in a precarious position, likely needing to win their remaining matches—including the daunting return fixture in the Czech Republic—to have any hope of advancing. This stunning upset at the Olimpico has completely changed the narrative of their European campaign.
