Ten-Man Roma Snatch Last-16 Spot After Panathinaikos Draw

Roma dramatically secured automatic qualification for the UEFA Europa League last 16 despite being reduced to 10 men, drawing 1-1 with Panathinaikos to finish eighth in the league phase.

The Italian side were on top early and created several chances before Gianluca Mancini was sent off following a VAR review for bringing down Milos Pantovic just before the break.

Panathinaikos failed to fully capitalise and only threatened sporadically, with Giorgos Katris striking the crossbar from distance.

Roma’s task became harder when Vicente Taborda punished a defensive error to put the Greek side ahead on 58 minutes, a goal that briefly pushed Panathinaikos into the top 16 and dropped Roma out of the automatic spots.

However, Roma responded late and Jan Ziolkowski headed in bravely on 80 minutes to restore parity, a goal that proved decisive.

The result sent Roma through to the last 16 and spared them the play-offs, while Panathinaikos were left unseeded after a third consecutive draw.

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