Synopsis
In a thrilling night of Europa League action, Paulo Dybala's heroics helped Roma edge Porto, while Ajax overcame Union SG's challenge to move forward. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad and Bodo/Glimt also secured their places in the last 16.Key Takeaways
- Roma secured a 4-3 aggregate victory against Porto.
- Ajax advanced despite losing at home to Union SG.
- Real Sociedad triumphed over Midtjylland with a 7-3 aggregate win.
- Bodo/Glimt progressed after a thrilling match against Twente.
- Key players like Dybala and Sucic made significant impacts.
Rome, Feb 21 (NationPress) Paulo Dybala propelled Roma to a thrilling 3-2 victory in the second leg of the knockout playoffs against 10-man Porto in the Europa League, securing a 4-3 aggregate win and advancing to the last 16.
Dybala netted a quick brace along with Niccolo Pisilli’s powerful goal, completing a remarkable comeback. The Argentine scored two well-placed shots within a swift four-minute span after Porto initially took the lead with Samu’s spectacular overhead kick.
Porto’s situation worsened when Stephen Eustaquio received a red card shortly after the break, allowing substitute Pisilli to extend the lead for the hosts. In stoppage time, Devyne Rensch unfortunately turned the ball into his own net.
In another matchup, Ajax also advanced to the last 16 with a 3-2 aggregate win despite losing 2-1 at home to Union Saint-Gilloise after extra time.
A decisive penalty from Kenneth Taylor in extra time secured Ajax’s thrilling aggregate victory. The first half saw Union SG dominate, with Kevin Mac Allister scoring the opener from a free-kick delivered by Sofiane Boufal.
Ajax faced a setback when they were reduced to ten following a dismissal of captain Davy Klassen for conceding a penalty, which was converted by Promise David, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2. Yet, Taylor’s penalty early in extra time proved crucial in this captivating match.
In a different encounter, Luka Sucic shone for Real Sociedad, leading them to an exciting 5-2 win over Midtjylland, culminating in a 7-3 aggregate victory.
Brais Mendez capitalized on a defensive error to score first, followed by Sucic’s initial goal. Although Midtjylland responded with Adam Buksa’s penalty and a fine strike from Dario Osorio, Sucic added his second before half-time.
A penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a goal by Orri Oskarsson rounded off the scoring after Daniel Silva was sent off for the visitors.
Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt progressed after a thrilling encounter, winning 5-2 against Twente in extra time, leading to a 6-4 aggregate victory.
Twente initially took the lead when Fredrik Sjovold deflected into his own net, but Kasper Hogh quickly leveled with a penalty.
Despite a swift own goal by Mees Hilgers and a strike from Brice Wembangomo briefly putting the hosts ahead, Sondre Brunstad Fet’s last-minute goal ensured the tie was equalized for Twente. Ultimately, Arno Verschueren’s own goal sealed victory for the home side in the second half of extra time.
