When Daniele De Rossi, captain of AS Roma stepped up at the 58th minute, nobody in Rome could have guessed the historic turn the night would take.
The second‑leg clash of the UEFA Champions League quarter‑finalStadio Olimpico in Rome saw AS Roma overturn a 4‑1 first‑leg deficit against FC Barcelona with a 3‑0 win, advancing on away goals.
Here’s the thing: the odds were stacked against the Italians. To progress, they needed a three‑goal victory without conceding – a scenario described by commentators as "borderline far‑fetch’d" before kickoff. Yet, by the final whistle, the aggregate score sat at 4‑4, and Roma’s miracle was complete.
Background to the Quarter‑Final Tie
Going back to Camp Nou on 4 April 2018, FC Barcelona dominated, winning 4‑1 thanks to an early strike by Edin Džeko and relentless pressure from Lionel Messi. The Catalans looked set to cruise into the semi‑finals, while Roma’s fans were left with a bitter taste.
But the Italians had a history of defying expectations. Under the tactical guidance of Ernesto Valverde, Barcelona were chasing a treble – La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. Their fourth loss of the season, however, would arrive a few days later in Rome.
The Second Leg Turnaround
From the first whistle, the atmosphere at the Olimpico was electric. A crowd of 57,600 roared as Edin Džeko – who had the misfortune of conceding the opening goal at Camp Nou – opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a low finish from six yards out. It was a quick reminder that the Bosnian striker still had a bite.
After the early lead, the match turned tense. In the 31st minute, Barcelona’s left‑back Jordi Alba made a surging run that forced a saving touch from Roma’s keeper, but the breathless pace didn’t translate into a goal.
The breakthrough came when a foul on Džeko inside the box saw Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai point to the spot. Daniele De Rossi slotted the penalty cleanly, doubling Roma’s advantage and sending the Stadio Olimpico into delirium.
Barcelona struck back in the 56th minute – a quick counter‑attack finished by Luis Suárez that made the score 2‑1 on the night, 5‑3 on aggregate. The goal revived hopes that the Catalans could still scrape through on away goals.
But the tide had turned irrevocably. In the 82nd minute, a corner whipped in by Alessandro Florenzi found Kostas Manolas at the far post. The Greek defender rose above the Barcelona defence and headed home, sealing a 3‑1 win on the night and a 4‑4 aggregate draw.
When the final whistle sounded, the stadium erupted. The Italian side had done the impossible – a three‑goal victory without conceding, exactly the margin they needed.
Reactions from Players and Managers
"I never imagined we could pull this off," Daniele De Rossi admitted in the post‑match interview. "The boys gave everything, and the fans lifted us. This is for them."
Across the pitch, Ernesto Valverde remained stoic. "We made mistakes we cannot afford in this competition," he said. "We will learn, but tonight belongs to Roma."
Barcelona’s talisman, Lionel Messi, stayed silent on the field but later told reporters, "We had our chances, but football is cruel. Roma deserved this win."
Even veteran commentator Gianluigi Buffon – who was not playing – remarked, "I have never seen a comeback like that. It will be remembered for decades."
Implications for the Semi‑Finals
With the win, AS Roma earned a showdown with Liverpool FC in the semi‑finals. The English side, managed by Jürgen Klopp, had dispatched Porto and Bayern Munich on their way to the last four.
The draw pits two contrasting styles against each other: Roma’s gritty, counter‑attacking approach versus Liverpool’s high‑pressing, fast‑wings. Analysts predict a tactical chess match, especially after Roma’s demonstrable resilience.
For Barcelona, the loss meant the end of treble dreams and sparked calls for squad reinforcements ahead of the next season. The Catalan giants would regroup for La Liga, where they still lead the table, but the Champions League exit left a sour taste.
Historical Significance
Only a handful of teams have overturned a three‑goal first‑leg deficit in Champions League history. Before Roma, the most notable comeback came from Manchester United in 1999, and more recently, Paris Saint‑Germain in 2017.
This match also marked the first time since 2003 that a defending champion (Barcelona) was eliminated at the quarter‑final stage. The 4‑4 aggregate score, decided on away goals, will forever be cited in discussions about the competition’s drama.
- Aggregate: 4‑4 (Roma advance on away goals)
- Attendance: 57,600 at Stadio Olimpico
- Goal scorers: Edin Džeko (6'), Daniele De Rossi (pen. 58'), Kostas Manolas (82')
- Key moment: Penalty awarded after Džeko’s foul by Samuel Umtiti
- Next opponent: Liverpool FC (semi‑final)
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Roma manage to win after trailing 4‑1 from the first leg?
Roma combined an early goal from Edin Džeko, a calmly taken penalty by Daniele De Rossi, and a late header by Kostas Manolas. Defensive solidity ensured Barcelona scored only once, meeting the exact three‑goal margin needed.
What does the away‑goals rule mean for this tie?
Because both teams finished 4‑4 on aggregate, the team that scored more goals away from home advances. Roma’s three goals in Rome outweighed Barcelona’s single away goal, sending Roma through.
Who were the officials overseeing the match?
The match was refereed by Hungarian official Viktor Kassai, assisted by Gábor Erős and Mihály Fabian. István Kovács served as the fourth official, with Danny Makkelie from the Netherlands acting as VAR.
What impact does this result have on Barcelona’s season?
The defeat ended Barcelona’s hopes of a treble and marked their fourth loss of the 2017‑18 campaign. It forced a reassessment of tactics and squad depth as they continue their La Liga title charge.
When will the semi‑finals be played and who will Roma face?
The semi‑final first leg is scheduled for 24 April 2018 at Anfield. Roma will meet Liverpool FC, who earned their place after beating Porto and Bayern Munich earlier in the tournament.
Comments (5)
What a remarkable display of resilience from Roma – truly a masterclass in tactical discipline and mental fortitude. The way De Rossi took responsibility at the 58th minute exemplifies leadership that transcends the pitch. It also underlines the importance of a well‑structured defensive block, which kept Barcelona at bay for the crucial final stretch.
Indeed, that composure was evident throughout the team, not just in the attack. Their transition game was finely tuned, allowing them to exploit the spaces left by Barcelona’s high line. It’s a textbook example of how collective effort can overturn even the steepest odds.
😂🙄 Sure, but let’s not pretend Barcelona didn’t have a *bad day* too. Their midfield looked more like a pot‑luck dinner than a cohesive unit, and the defence was practically on holiday. Still, Roma earned the glory – no need for excuses.
Roma’s comeback will be remembered as one of the greatest in Champions League history. The first leg seemed like a death sentence for the Italians. Yet the second leg proved that football can defy logic. De Rossi’s penalty was a turning point that lifted the entire squad. Džeko’s early goal forced Barcelona to chase the game, creating space behind their lines. The Roma defence held firm despite the pressure, denying any further goals. Barcelona’s attempts were disjointed and lacked creativity. The crowd at the Olimpico added a relentless roar that spurred the players on. Florenzi’s corner delivery was precise, setting up Manolas for the winning header. Each goal was a piece of a larger puzzle that fit together perfectly. The tactical adjustments made at halftime showed Valencia’s keen eye for detail. The team’s stamina in the final minutes was impressive. Even the bench contributed with vocal support that could be felt across the stadium. The away‑goals rule ultimately decided the tie, rewarding Roma’s aggressive approach. This match highlighted the thin line between triumph and failure. Fans will recount the moment for generations to come. Football’s unpredictability shines brightest in moments like these.
While the drama was indeed captivating, it is essential to recognise that such a miracle begs the question of Barcelona’s strategic complacency. Their failure to adapt defensively exposed a glaring vulnerability that, frankly, any competent Italian side would exploit. One must wonder whether a more disciplined approach might have salvaged their campaign.