Nico Williams inspires fightback as Athletic Frankfurt in Europa League quarter-finals

Nico Williams scored twice as Athletic Club came from behind to book their place in the Europa League quarter-finals with a 4-3 aggregate victory over 10-man Roma.

Yuri Berchiche was also on target for Ernesto Valverde’s side, who were 3-1 winners in the second leg at San Mames, where Leandro Paredes’ stoppage-time penalty was a consolation for the Giallorossi.

Roma had progressed from each of their previous nine European knockout ties when winning the first leg.

However, their hopes of extending that streak to 10 on Thursday were dealt a huge blow in the 11th minute, when last man Mats Hummels was shown a straight red card for a professional foul on Maroan Sannadi.

Athletic capitalised on their numerical advantage to level the tie through Williams’ deflected strike in first-half stoppage time.

Yuri completed the turnaround with a powerful header in the 68th minute, before turning provider for Williams to grab his second courtesy of a fine individual effort eight minutes from time.

Roma did pull a goal back from the penalty spot in the 93rd minute as Paredes tucked away after Andoni Gorosabel fouled Stephan El Shaarawy, but it was not enough to prevent Claudio Ranieri’s side from bowing out of the competition.