The Italian capital played host to a thrilling encounter as Roma edged out Athletic Club in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie, with the Estadio Olímpico providing the backdrop for a truly electric European night. Roma’s manager, Claudio Ranieri, was visibly pleased with the outcome, yet he refused to get carried away, acknowledging the quality of the opposition and the need for his team to remain focused ahead of the return leg at San Mamés.
As he reflected on the match, Ranieri shared his thoughts with Movistar +, saying, “I’m happy, but I’m also aware that we’ve just faced a top-notch team that knows its stuff on the pitch, and we do too.” The Italian coach went on to praise the intense, back-and-forth nature of the game, noting that “it was a tightly contested match, and in the end, we managed to come out on top, but it was a great performance from both teams.” This sense of mutual respect was palpable, with both sides giving it their all in a captivating display of skill and determination.
Looking ahead to the return leg, Ranieri drew an interesting parallel between the two-legged tie and a single, 90-minute match, likening the situation to being at halftime, with the second half still to come. This measured response from the seasoned coach underscores his awareness that the slim advantage secured at home is by no means a guarantee of progression to the next round. With the tie still very much in the balance, Ranieri’s cautious optimism will undoubtedly serve as a reminder to his players to remain vigilant and focused as they prepare to face Athletic Club once again.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Roma secured a narrow victory over Athletic Club in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie.
- Claudio Ranieri praised the quality of the opposition and emphasized the importance of maintaining concentration ahead of the return leg.
- The Italian coach drew a comparison between the two-legged tie and a single match, highlighting the need for his team to remain focused and composed.