Hummels’ Late Equaliser Stuns Tottenham as Roma Fight Back in Europa League
Hummels’ Late Equaliser Stuns Tottenham as Roma Fight Back in Europa League
- Tottenham had dominated much of the match after Hummels conceded a penalty in the fifth minute
- Despite Roma's resilience, Tottenham should have extended their lead in the first half.
- Tottenham still have games against Rangers, Hoffenheim, and Elfsborg to play.
Veteran defender Mats Hummels salvaged a point for Claudio Ranieri’s Roma with a dramatic late equaliser to frustrate Tottenham in their Europa League clash.
The 35-year-old German, making his first European appearance since the Champions League final in July, initially gave away a penalty but redeemed himself in stoppage time, tapping in a whipped cross from Angelino to level the score.
Tottenham had dominated much of the match after Hummels conceded a penalty in the fifth minute, when he was caught off guard by a loose ball in the box and fouled young midfielder Pape Matar Sarr. Son Heung-min converted the penalty to give Spurs the lead.
Brennan Johnson later doubled Tottenham’s advantage with a well-taken first-time finish from a Dejan Kulusevski cutback, after Roma’s Evan N’Dicka had equalised. Stephan El Shaarawy also had a stunning volley ruled out for offside by VAR.
Despite Roma’s resilience, Tottenham should have extended their lead in the first half. Johnson had a shot cleared off the line, Dominic Solanke saw his effort saved, and Son Heung-min blazed over a rebound after Kulusevski’s strike hit the post.
Spurs looked comfortable but failed to capitalize on their chances, with Roma’s second-half resurgence providing constant warnings. Angelino’s volley hit the bar, and Pedro Porro also rattled the woodwork with a free-kick. Roma had two other goals disallowed for offside, with Artem Dovbyk and Manu Kone both flagged.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, with limited options due to injuries, made four changes from his team that triumphed 4-0 at Manchester City over the weekend. However, his late substitutes—Yves Bissouma, Timo Werner, James Maddison, and Lucas Bergvall—could not contain the growing pressure from the Italians.
With the result, Spurs sit ninth in the Europa League standings, outside the top eight spots that secure automatic qualification and avoid a play-off round. Tottenham still have games against Rangers, Hoffenheim, and Elfsborg to play.
Roma, under the guidance of 73-year-old Ranieri, who returned from retirement to manage his boyhood club for the third time, have impressed in what has been a turbulent season for the club, currently on their third manager.
