The Europa League Round of 16 is set, with Roma, Ajax, and Fenerbahce sealing their places after dramatic second-leg matches on Thursday night.
Roma celebrated a hard-fought 3-2 win over 10-man Porto, following their 1-1 draw in the first leg. The Italian side dominated the match, with Paulo Dybala scoring twice and Niccolò Pisilli adding the third to secure qualification.
Porto’s challenge became even tougher after going down to 10 men, allowing Roma to capitalize and book their place in the next round.
Ajax delivered a thrilling performance, overcoming adversity to reach the next stage. Despite going a man down early in the match, they showed incredible resilience, coming back from a 2-0 deficit in normal time.
The decisive moment came in extra time, when Kenneth Taylor converted a penalty, completing an aggregate victory for the Dutch giants. Ajax’s determination and tactical discipline ensured their well-earned progression.
José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce played out a 2-2 draw in the second leg, but their 3-0 first-leg victory was enough to see them through. With Mourinho at the helm, Fenerbahce will be a team to watch as the tournament progresses.
These results highlight the unpredictability and excitement of the Europa League. With Roma, Ajax, and Fenerbahce moving into the Round of 16, fans can expect even more intense battles in the weeks ahead.
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