AS Roma secured their place in the last 16 of the 2025/26 Europa League despite drawing 1-1 against Panathinaikos and having to finish the match with 10 men.
The eighth week match of the league phase was held at the Athens Olympic Stadium, Greece on Friday morning WIB.
This result means Roma finished eighth in the Europa League standings with 16 points from eight matches.
Gian Piero Gasperini's side are ahead on goal difference over Genk, who are level on points and face a play-off.
Meanwhile, Panathinaikos finished the league season in 20th place with 12 points. Rafael Benitez's team is certain to continue their fight through the play-offs, according to UEFA's official website.
Roma immediately took the initiative from the start. The first chance came through Kostas Tsimikas, who received a pass from Lorenzo Pellegrini, but the left-back's shot was saved by Panathinaikos goalkeeper Alban Lafont.
Shortly after, Roma threatened again from a set-piece. Pellegrini sent a free kick into the penalty area, which was met by Jan Ziolkowski with a volley, but the ball went wide of the goal.
Roma's fate came in the 13th minute. Gianluca Mancini was initially shown only a yellow card for bringing down Milos Pantovic.
However, after reviewing the VAR, the referee changed the decision to a red card because Mancini was deemed to be the last man in the game.
Despite their numerical superiority, Panathinaikos struggled to break the deadlock, and the first half ended goalless.
Entering the second half, Panathinaikos finally took the lead in the 58th minute. Vicente Taborda successfully broke through Roma's goal, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The goal came from Daniele Ghilardi's header which turned into a loose ball, before Taborda controlled it, rounded Ghilardi, and beat Pierluigi Gollini.
Trailing by a goal and playing with 10 men, Roma continued to press. Their efforts paid off in the 80th minute.
