Nico Williams Fires Athletic Bilbao Into Europa League Quarter-Finals.
Nico Williams scored twice as Athletic Bilbao staged a comeback to defeat 10-man Roma and secure their place in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Trailing 2-1 from the first leg, the Spanish side were given an early advantage when Roma’s Mats Hummels was sent off in the 11th minute for a professional foul. Athletic capitalised on their numerical superiority, with Williams levelling the tie just before half-time with a close-range finish.
The momentum remained with the hosts, and left-back Yuri Berchiche put them ahead on aggregate midway through the second half with a glancing header from a corner. Williams then sealed the victory in style, weaving past defenders before delicately dinking the ball over the goalkeeper with eight minutes left.
Roma briefly threatened a late comeback when Leandro Paredes converted a powerful penalty, but Claudio Ranieri’s side could not find another goal to force extra time. Athletic held firm to claim a 3-1 win on the night, progressing 4-3 on aggregate.
Athletic will now face either Rangers or Fenerbahce in the quarter-finals as they continue their quest to reach the Europa League final, which will be played at their home ground, San Mamés.
