As Roma Vs Fc Porto : In a highly anticipated UEFA Europa League playoff, AS Roma is set to face FC Porto today, February 20, 2025, at 18:45 CET (23:45 in Dhaka) at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome. This second-leg encounter follows a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Estádio do Dragão, where Mehmet Zeki Çelik netted for Roma and Francisco Moura equalized for Porto.
AS Roma’s Recent Form and Challenges
Under the guidance of Claudio Ranieri, Roma has demonstrated commendable form, securing victories in their last three away matches and maintaining an unbeaten streak in nine Serie A games. Notably, they advanced to the Europa League playoffs by defeating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0. However, the team faces a significant setback with the absence of striker Artem Dovbyk, who has been sidelined due to a muscular injury. Dovbyk’s injury necessitates strategic adjustments in Roma’s attacking lineup, potentially placing increased responsibility on players like Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini to spearhead the offensive efforts.
FC Porto’s Performance and Prospects
FC Porto enters this match with a series of mixed results. They managed a 1-1 draw against nine-man Sporting Lisbon in their recent Primeira Liga outing, marking their third consecutive league draw. Despite these challenges, Porto showcased resilience by securing a 1-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv, which facilitated their progression to the current playoff stage. Manager Sérgio Conceição will likely emphasize the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities and maintaining defensive solidity to navigate the away fixture successfully.
As Roma Vs Fc Porto Head-to-Head Dynamics
Historically, encounters between Roma and Porto have been tightly contested. Prior to the current season, their last meeting was a 1-1 draw in a pre-season friendly in July 2021. The aggregate scoreline of 1-1 from the first leg sets the stage for a decisive battle, with both teams eager to secure advancement to the Round of 16.
Key Players to Watch
- AS Roma: With Dovbyk unavailable, Paulo Dybala’s creative playmaking and goal-scoring prowess become even more critical. Additionally, Lorenzo Pellegrini’s leadership in midfield will be pivotal in orchestrating attacks and maintaining possession.
- FC Porto: Francisco Moura, who scored in the first leg, will aim to replicate his performance. Midfielder Pepê’s versatility and defensive contributions could also play a significant role in countering Roma’s offensive threats.
As Roma Vs Fc Porto Broadcast Information
For fans in Dhaka and surrounding regions, the match will kick off at 23:45 local time. While specific broadcast details for Bangladesh are not provided in the available sources, international viewers can typically access Europa League matches through various sports networks and streaming platforms. It’s advisable to check local listings or official streaming services for live coverage options.
Conclusion
The upcoming clash between AS Roma and FC Porto promises an intense and strategic contest, with both teams striving to overcome recent challenges and capitalize on their strengths. The outcome of this match will determine which side advances in the Europa League, adding significant weight to the encounter. Fans worldwide will be keenly watching to see how each team navigates this critical fixture.