The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League Round of 16 between Roma (Italy) and Athletic Bilbao (Spain) will take place on March 6 at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma vs. Athletic Bilbao: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Roma
Claudio Ranieri's side faced Porto in the previous round and emerged victorious over two legs. Roma first secured a 1-1 away draw, followed by a comeback win at home (3-2). As a result, the team extended their home winning streak in the Europa League to four matches and, for only the second time in this tournament's current edition, scored more than two goals in a match. Notably, the Romans have conceded only six goals in the group stage, ranking third among all clubs.
- The team has not lost in regular time in 16 of their last 17 home Europa League matches (14 wins, 2 draws).
- The club has won the first half in their last five home games in this tournament.
- The Romans have not conceded more than one goal in regular time in 15 of their last 17 home Europa League matches.
Predicted lineup for Roma (4-4-2)
Mile Svilar – Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, Mehmet Zeki Celik, Angelino – Lorenzo Pellegrini, Manu Kone, Leandro Paredes, Stephan El Shaarawy – Eldor Shomurodov, Paulo Dybala.
The participation of defender Mehmet Zeki Celik is in doubt. Midfielder Leandro Paredes is suspended.
Athletic Bilbao
Ernesto Valverde's side bypassed the playoff round. In the last group stage match, Athletic defeated Czech side Viktoria 3-1 at home, securing their sixth victory in the current Europa League campaign. As a result, the Basques finished second in the group standings with 19 points, only missing out on the top spot to Lazio on goal difference, and advanced directly to the Round of 16.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 9 of their last 11 away Europa League matches (5 wins, 4 draws).
- The team has scored exactly one or two goals in 90 minutes in 7 of their last 8 away games in this tournament.
- Both teams scored in regular time in 5 of Athletic's last 6 away Europa League matches.
Predicted lineup for Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1)
Julen Agirrezabala – Oscar De Marcos, Yuri Berchiche, Yeray Alvarez, Daniel Vivian – Mikel Jauregi, Benat Prados – Alex Berenguer, Inaki Williams, Nico Williams – Gorka Guruzeta.
Forward Alvaro Djalo will miss the match due to injury.
Referee
Sandro Scharer (Switzerland)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 29;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.2;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 22%.
Roma vs. Athletic Bilbao: Match Prediction
At home, Roma feels confident and aims to play actively forward, frequently challenging the opponents' defense. The team scores regularly on their turf: in their last 25 home Europa League matches, Roma has failed to score in regular time only once. Moreover, in 13 instances during this stretch, the Romans have scored at least three goals in 90 minutes.
For the Spaniards, an attacking style is also characteristic. By focusing on offensive football, Athletic has no issues with scoring, even in away matches: in their last eight away games, the Basques have breached the opponents' defense. However, they do not always defend flawlessly: in 14 of their last 17 away encounters in this tournament, the Spaniards have failed to keep a clean sheet.
Additionally, during the group stage, the teams met at Roma's home ground and ended that match with a goal exchange (1-1). I expect a similar outcome this time, so my prediction: Both teams to score – yes
