Match Report: Veron V AS Roma – 24th May 2026
On 25 May 2026 by Gillyowl
Verona 0 – 2 AS Roma
Mission accomplished.
Roma secured their place back in the Champions League with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Hellas Verona at the Bentegodi, capping off a remarkable season with a performance full of determination, resilience, and a touch of Dybala magic.
The hosts came flying out of the blocks and immediately tested Roma’s resolve. Kieron Bowie forced Mile Svilar into action within the opening minute, while Bryan Cristante fired wide at the other end as both teams looked to settle into the contest.
Roma gradually began to take control, with Paulo Dybala providing the first real spark. The Argentine nearly produced a moment of brilliance from a free kick, but Verona goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipò somehow clawed the effort away from beneath the crossbar.
Just before halftime, Verona almost stunned the Giallorossi. Bowie raced through on goal, but Svilar once again proved why he has been one of Roma’s most important players this season, charging off his line to make a sensational one-handed save.
The turning point arrived shortly after the break.
First, Verona defender Lautaro Valentini was shown a second yellow card for bringing down Dybala, reducing the hosts to ten men. Moments later, VAR intervened after spotting a handball by Bowie inside the penalty area.
Donyell Malen stepped up from the spot, but Montipò initially denied him. Fortunately for Roma, the Dutch forward reacted quickest, pouncing on the rebound and forcing the ball over the line after Dybala helped keep the move alive. The away end erupted as Roma finally grabbed the breakthrough they deserved.
With the numerical advantage, Roma pushed for a second. Matias Soulé continued to trouble Montipò, while Dybala was denied again after a rapid counterattack led by Devyne Rensch.
The Giallorossi had opportunities to put the game to bed earlier. Malen came close on multiple occasions, first failing to connect with a dangerous cross before seeing another promising chance slip away after a clever pass from Stephan El Shaarawy.
But in stoppage time, the perfect ending arrived.
Playing what could be his final match in a Roma shirt, El Shaarawy put the finishing touch on the evening. Released through on goal, Dybala could have easily taken the chance himself. Instead, in a moment that perfectly captured his selfless brilliance, he waited for support and produced a delightful backheel assist, allowing the “Little Pharaoh” to sweep home Roma’s second goal.
The final whistle confirmed what every Romanista had been dreaming about.
Champions League football is back where it belongs.
Led by a heroic Svilar, inspired by the genius of Dybala, and sealed by the emotional farewell goal from El Shaarawy, Roma ended the season in style and secured their return to Europe’s biggest stage.
Forza Roma. The Champions League awaits.
Man of Match
Paolo Dybala
(Dybala gave the Man of the Match trophy to El Shaawary)
Champions League qualifers
