Tottenham vs AS Roma Report

Scorers: Son 5’ (P), Johnson 34’; Ndicka 20’, Hummels 90+1’

Tottenham Hotspur squandered a golden opportunity to edge closer to the UEFA Europa League knockout stages, conceding a stoppage-time equalizer in a pulsating 2-2 draw against AS Roma.

The result keeps Spurs in a favorable position but leaves their progression to the next round less certain.

First Half: Fast Start and Missed Chances

Spurs took an early lead in dramatic fashion, with Pape Matar Sarr winning a penalty inside two minutes after being brought down by Mats Hummels.

Although referee Glenn Nyberg initially waved play on, a VAR review overturned the decision, allowing Heung-min Son to calmly convert from the spot.

However, Tottenham’s early dominance waned as they eased off the throttle, and Roma capitalized. Paulo Dybala’s inch-perfect cross was met by Evan Ndicka, whose powerful header leveled the scores.

Moments later, Stephan El Shaarawy thought he had completed the turnaround, volleying into the bottom corner, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Spurs responded well, coming close when Brennan Johnson’s shot was heroically cleared off the line by Angeliño. On the follow-up, Dominic Solanke’s strike forced a sensational save from Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar.

Tottenham’s persistence paid off just minutes later when Johnson slotted home Dejan Kulusevski’s clever cutback to restore their lead.

Second Half: End-to-End Drama

Tottenham had multiple chances to extend their lead before halftime but failed to capitalize, leaving the door ajar for Roma.

The Italian side started the second half with renewed vigor, twice finding the net through Artem Dovbyk and Manu Koné, only for both goals to be disallowed for offside.

The game ebbed and flowed like a basketball match, with both teams creating chances. Solanke came agonizingly close to sealing the win for Spurs, rattling the crossbar with a towering header in the closing stages.

With Tottenham unable to find a decisive third goal, Roma remained in the contest and punished the hosts late on. Angeliño’s whipped delivery found Hummels, who redeemed his earlier mistake by turning the ball into the net, sending the visiting fans into raptures.

Implications for League Phase Standings

A win would have placed Spurs firmly in the top-eight and in contention for a direct spot in the last 16, but the draw leaves them with work to do in their final two games.

Roma, meanwhile, remain outside the top-eight and face an uphill battle to qualify, needing a near-perfect finish to the group stage.

What’s Next?

Spurs will look to bounce back domestically before their next UEL clash, while Roma must regroup and aim for victories in their remaining fixtures to keep their European hopes alive.

Both teams showed their quality, but defensive lapses and missed opportunities defined this thrilling encounter.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Tottenham vs Roma | UEFA Europa League 2024/25