Paulo Dybala delivered a stunning four-minute double to propel Roma past FC Porto in a thrilling 3-2 win, securing their place in the Europa League Round of 16.
Despite a spectacular overhead kick from Samu, the Giallorossi took advantage of a second-half red card to their opponents and now await the draw on Friday, where they will face either Lazio or Athletic Club Bilbao.
The tie remained finely balanced after a contentious 1-1 draw in the first leg, where Bryan Cristante’s red card ruled him out of the return fixture alongside Alexis Saelemaekers.
Injuries also affected both sides, with Roma missing Artem Dovbyk and leaving Mats Hummels on the bench again, while Porto had to cope without Marko Grujic, Vasco Sousa, and Martim Fernandes.
However, Dybala returned from a minor setback, and Porto arrived at the Stadio Olimpico unbeaten under coach Martin Anselmi since his appointment on January 27.
How the Action Unfolded
Roma started brightly, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Eldor Shomurodov both going close with headers, but it was Porto who struck first after being gifted an opportunity.
Goalkeeper Mile Svilar’s poor pass to Leandro Paredes allowed Porto to launch an attack, with Pepê’s shot initially blocked.
However, Samu capitalized in style, executing a stunning acrobatic overhead kick from 10 yards to put the visitors ahead.
The hosts responded swiftly, and Dybala made his mark with a composed finish. After exchanging quick passes with Shomurodov, the Argentine showed his trademark flair, delicately lifting the ball past the goalkeeper with the outside of his left boot from six yards out—his first Europa League goal of the season.
Just four minutes later, Dybala completed Roma’s turnaround. Linking up with Manu Kone on the right flank, he caught everyone off guard by drilling a low left-footed shot into the near bottom corner when most expected him to aim for the far post.
Roma nearly extended their lead soon after, as Dybala’s well-placed free-kick found Gianluca Mancini at the back post, forcing the Porto goalkeeper into a difficult save.
Evan N’Dicka had a chance to tap in the rebound, but Otavio made a crucial double block to keep Porto in the game.
Porto Down to 10 Men
The second half took a dramatic turn when Porto were reduced to 10 men. Stephen Eustaquio was caught on camera delivering a punch to Paredes’ chest in an off-the-ball incident.
Following a VAR review, Eustaquio was shown a straight red card for the deliberate act, while Paredes received a booking that will see him suspended for the next match.
Roma had the perfect opportunity to capitalize moments later, but Shomurodov scuffed his effort over the bar from close range after a mishit shot from Dybala fell into his path.
The Uzbek forward did find the net later on, but his celebrations were cut short as he had strayed offside on Dybala’s through ball.
Even with a man down, Porto remained a threat. Samu nearly equalized again when he latched onto a long pass from Diogo Costa and sent a shot crashing against the upright.
Pisilli Puts the Game to Bed
Roma finally put the result beyond doubt when Dybala turned provider, lofting a ball down the left for Angelino. The wing-back’s precise cut-back was met by substitute Niccolò Pisilli, who calmly slotted home from seven yards with the inside of his right foot.
Despite the comfortable lead, Roma conceded an unfortunate own goal late in the game. Substitute Devyne Rensch misjudged a low cross from the right and inadvertently poked the ball into his own net.
However, the Giallorossi held on to book their place in the next round, with Dybala’s brilliance proving the difference on the night.
