Athletic Bilbao secured their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over AS Roma on Thursday, overturning their first-leg deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt delivered a dominant performance against Ajax, thrashing the Dutch side 4-1 to complete a 6-2 aggregate victory.
Bilbao’s triumph was largely driven by Spain international Nico Williams, who scored twice in a match filled with drama. The turning point came early when Roma’s experienced defender Mats Hummels received a straight red card in the 11th minute for a last-man challenge on Maroan Sannadi. With Roma down to ten men, Bilbao took control of the game, pushing forward relentlessly.
Their persistence paid off just before halftime. Inaki Williams sent a cross from the left side, which found his younger brother, Nico, at the back post. Nico struck the ball first-time, and a deflection off Roma defender Angelino sent it past goalkeeper Mile Svilar to put Bilbao ahead.
Bilbao doubled their lead in the 68th minute when Yuri Berchiche powered in a header from a corner, sending the home crowd at San Mames into celebration. Nico Williams then sealed the win with his second goal in the 82nd minute, putting Bilbao in a commanding position.
Roma managed to pull one back in stoppage time when Leandro Paredes converted a penalty in the 93rd minute, but it was not enough to stop Bilbao from advancing.
Elsewhere, Lazio booked their place in the last eight after securing a 3-2 aggregate victory over Viktoria Plzen. Despite Pavel Sulc equalizing the tie for Plzen early in the second half, Alessio Romagnoli’s header in the 71st minute sent the Italian side through.
Eintracht Frankfurt also had a memorable night, defeating Ajax 4-1 in the second leg. Goals from Jean-Matteo Bahoya, Hugo Ekitike, and a brace from Mario Goetze ensured the German side comfortably progressed with a 6-2 aggregate score.
In another Europa League clash, Bodo/Glimt suffered a 2-1 loss against Olympiakos in Athens but still advanced with a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Meanwhile, English clubs Manchester United and Tottenham faced crucial second-leg fixtures later in the evening. United hosted Real Sociedad, while Tottenham took on AZ Alkmaar, both aiming to secure their places in the quarter-finals.
