Tottenham 2-2 AS Roma: Hummels the hero as Giallorossi salvage point away at Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur squandered a significant opportunity to advance towards the knockout rounds of the UEFA Europa League, conceding a goal in stoppage time that resulted in a 2-2 draw against AS Roma.

Roma's start in North London could hardly have been more disastrous.

Within two minutes, Pape Matar Sarr was brought down in the penalty area by Mats Hummels. Although referee Glenn Nyberg initially dismissed the claims, a quick VAR review confirmed the foul, leading to Son Heung-Min successfully converting the penalty.

Following this early advantage, Spurs made the critical error of easing off, which they would soon regret as Paulo Dybala's cross was headed in by Evan Ndicka, leveling the score.

Roma appeared to have taken the lead shortly thereafter when Stephan El Shaarawy volleyed the ball into the bottom corner, but a VAR review ruled the goal offside, preserving Spurs' hopes.

The home side nearly regained their lead minutes later, with Brennan Johnson's shot being heroically cleared off the line by Angelino, followed by a remarkable save from Mile Svilar to deny Dominic Solanke's follow-up attempt.

However, Spurs did reclaim the lead shortly after, with Johnson finishing off a cutback from Dejan Kulusevski.

Despite having several excellent chances to extend their lead before halftime, Spurs were nearly punished for their missed opportunities shortly after the break.

Roma found the net twice, first through Artem Dovbyk and then through Manu Kone, but both goals were disallowed for offside.

At times, the match resembled a basketball game, and Spurs came close to scoring again ten minutes from the end when Dominic Solanke's header struck the crossbar.

With only a narrow lead, Spurs could not relax in the final moments, and they were ultimately punished when Hummels, who had started unexpectedly, redeemed himself by converting Angelino's dangerous cross.

A victory would have positioned Spurs within the top eight, enhancing their prospects for a place in the last 16. However, their current standing appears considerably less secure. Nevertheless, their situation remains significantly more favorable than that of Roma, who are still trailing behind the top eight.

SportsLigue