Athletic Club-Roma: the Giallorossi restart from 2-1 at San Mames, lineups and TV times

Bilbao 12 March 2025 - Two of the competition's most passionate fan bases, two of the most renowned teams and two undoubtedly favourites, given the quality of their squad and their pedigree. Athletic Club of Bilbao e Rome It is undoubtedly one of the most interesting challenges that theEuropa League 2024-25 could offer and the one in San Mames will be the third and final chapter. Unfortunately there is no future for both, football can be as beautiful as it is ruthless and one of the two teams will have to leave the competition in these eighth finals. In the first leg the Giallorossi managed to win at the last gasp with a great last-gasp move in the final, but the return leg will be played in the Basque Country, where the atmosphere will only scream for the Zurigorriak. The kick-off of this return leg of the eighth finals of Europe League It is set for 18:45 pm.

As previously written, this challenge is the third seasonal clash between the Basques and the Roma players. This duel inaugurated the European season of both, ending in a draw with the goal of Paredes to equalize the Giallorossi's advantage dovbyk. Neither of them left their mark in the first leg of these round of 16 matches, where not only the protagonists on the scoreboard but also the result were different. In the first leg at the Olimpico, the winner was Rome, thanks to a beautiful choral performance, rewarded by the goal of Shomurodov in the last action of the match. Beyond the final 2-1, however, the challenge was full of ideas. Unlike the first seasonal clash, theAthletic Club tried to impose his dribbling, but he didn't succeed in doing so completely. The chances were equally divided both in number and quality, only the cynicism in front of goal made the difference between the two teams. The goal by Angelino it's the perfect reaction to the goal of Iñaki Williams, a goal that was deserved by both the Basques and the Giallorossi. The champion's shot, however, was scored by the Uzbek, also rewarding all the dirty work that the Asian puts in every match.

The work is not yet done, the match at the Olimpico provided an advantage, but now it is mandatory to maintain it. The last European seasons of the Rome have been characterized by this type of matches: challenges of great suffering, aimed at protecting an acquired advantage. Another challenge along the same lines will be needed if the recent tradition in the competitions is to be confirmed Uefa of the Capitoline. The Basques will be burdened by the absence of a man of experience and order like Yeray, sent off in the tense final minutes of the match at the Olimpico. The match could prove very difficult for the Giallorossi from an environmental point of view. At home Bilbao there is a desire to shine again on the continental stage and you can feel in the air the possibility, for the first time in history, of lifting a title on the international stage. Furthermore, San Mames, the stadium of this return round of 16, will be the same theater of the final of this Europa League. An extra push for the red and whites to react and overturn the challenge at the Olimpico.

The match at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao has seen UEFA choose a very experienced referee to take charge of the match. It will be the Frenchman Clément Turpin to referee the match, supported by his compatriots Nicolas Danos (FRA) and Benjamin Pages (FRA) as assistants. The fourth official Mathieu Vernice (FRA) is also French; while in the VAR room Jérome Brisard (FRA), will be supported by Fedayi San (SUI), Swiss and also present in the VAR room in the first leg. Debut for the French referee against the Basque team, while there are four precedents with the Giallorossi: 3 victories and 31 defeat. For the referee it will be the 13st of the season, the XNUMXth of his season Uefa between Champions League, Europe, Conference e Nations League. To these he adds 13 more Ligue 1, 2 of French Cup and 1 by Ligue 2. For him also two directions between the Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Probable lineups

Short rotations in defense for theAthletic Bilbao and forced between disqualified and absent. Vivian is in doubt, while Yeray is disqualified. In front of Agirrezabala, favored over Unai Simon in the run-off, the pair composed of Unai Nunez e Paredes. He will run on the right From Marcos with Yuri berchiche on the opposite side. jauregize e Prados will be the two midfielders, while Sancet should not be among the starters for this match either, in his place Unai Gomez in the center of the three-quarter line. The two brothers complete the offensive department Williams will run on the lanes, while Sannadi he is favored over Guruzeta for the role of first striker.

Ranieri something could change compared to the first leg, but it seems oriented to confirm many of the protagonists of the first match, also considering the turnover in Empoli. In defense, we are moving towards the ownership of Hummels in defense, with Mancini e N'Dicka to complete the line of three in front of Silker. For the right lane Rensch is ahead of Saelemaekers, while Angelino will be the left winger. In midfield the Italian duo composed of pisilli e Crystalline, but watch out for Koné who could threaten the two for a starting spot. Up front Dybala e Pellegrini will support the lone striker dovbyk, currently favored over Shomurodov in the run-off. 

Athletic Club de Bilbao (4-2-3-1) Agirrezebala; De Marcos, Unai Núñez, Paredes, Yuri; Jauregizar, Prados; I. Williams, Unai Gomez, N. Williams; Sannadi. Coach Ernesto Valverde.

Rome (3-4-2-1) Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, N'Dicka; Rensch, Pisilli, Cristante, Angeliño; Dybala, Pellegrini; Dovbyk. Coach Claudio Ranieri.

Where to watch the match

The match between Athletic Club de Bilbao e Rome of Sam Mames, valid for the return match of the round of 16 of the knockout stage of Europa League, will start at 18:45 on Thursday 13 March 2025. There will be several options available to watch the match. The match will be visible on satellite on the platform Sky, to the channels Sky Sports One (channel 201) e Sky Sports channel 252. The match will also be available in streaming on NOW for those who have subscribed to the platform and on Sky Go for those who have a season ticket Sky. You can follow the match by downloading the app on your smart TV or by connecting the TV to a PlayStation 4/5, Xbox console, or to a TIMVISION BOX, to an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast device. Viewing also possible via app or website NOW on tablets, PCs and smartphones. The commentary of the match will be entrusted to Riccardo Gentile and Blerim Dzemaili.