Roma reach Europa League last 16; Ajax scrape through - RTHK
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Roma reach Europa League last 16; Ajax scrape through

2025-02-21 HKT 08:07
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  • Roma will either play Lazio or Athletic Bilbao in the next round. Photo: AFP
    Roma will either play Lazio or Athletic Bilbao in the next round. Photo: AFP
  • Ajax players celebrate after securing a 3-2 aggregate victory over Union Saint-Gillois. Photo: AFP
    Ajax players celebrate after securing a 3-2 aggregate victory over Union Saint-Gillois. Photo: AFP
Paulo Dybala scored twice as Roma beat Porto to clinch a place in the last 16 of the Europa League, as Ajax clawed through in extra time despite playing a man down for 95 minutes.

Spanish forward Samu Aghehowa gave Porto the lead against Roma after a 1-1 draw in Portugal last week, but two quick-fire goals from Dybala turned the tie in favour of the 2023 runners-up.

Porto were reduced to 10 men when Canada midfielder Stephen Eustáquio was sent off early in the second half, and Niccolo Pisilli struck what proved to be the crucial third goal for Claudio Ranieri's men.

Devyne Rensch turned into his own net deep into added time as Roma progressed 4-3 on aggregate.

"Having a champion like Dybala means a lot. He's extraordinary; he says very little, but he is a leader and always says the right things," Ranieri said.

Roma will find out whether they play Athletic Bilbao or city rivals Lazio in the next round when the draw for the last 16 is conducted on Friday.

"We have a huge opportunity in Europe. This competition can give us a lot this year," said Dybala.

Meanwhile, four-time European champions Ajax survived a huge scare against close neighbours Union Saint-Gilloise of Belgium, nearly squandering a 2-0 advantage from a week ago.

Kevin Mac Allister's header halved the deficit and Promise David tucked away a penalty after Ajax captain Davy Klaassen was dismissed in the 25th minute for a deliberate handball.

But Kenneth Taylor's spot-kick in extra time was enough to put Ajax through 3-2 on aggregate.

José Mourinho, a former winner of the competition with Porto and Manchester United, saw his Fenerbahce side go through 5-2 overall after a 2-2 draw away to Anderlecht in a match that was delayed in the first half by crowd trouble.

Elsewhere, Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt overturned a first leg deficit against Dutch side Twente with a dramatic 5-2 win after extra time in the Arctic Circle to progress 6-4 on aggregate.

The hosts were heading out before striking twice in second-half stoppage time but Twente then levelled the tie and forced extra time with a last-gasp equaliser.

Sondre Brunstad Fet put Bodo/Glimt back ahead in the 111th minute, with a second own goal of the night from Twente sealing qualification for their opponents.

Real Sociedad, meanwhile, thrashed Midtjylland 7-3 on aggregate after a 5-2 win in San Sebastian. The Spaniards will take on United or Tottenham in the last 16. (AFP)

Roma reach Europa League last 16; Ajax scrape through