AS Roma vs FC Midtjylland Match Recap - Nov 27, 2025

AS Roma's Resurgence: A 2-1 Victory Over FC Midtjylland Sparks Hope in Europa League

AS Roma's 2-1 victory over FC Midtjylland marks a crucial turning point in their Europa League campaign, lifting them from the depths of despair to a glimmer of hope. With this win, Roma now sits with 6 points, still in 18th place but with renewed momentum after a string of recent victories. The match showcased a team that has found its rhythm, particularly in the attacking third, where they have struggled in previous outings.

Neil El Aynaoui opened the scoring early, continuing his impressive form after netting in the previous match against Cremonese. His ability to find space and convert chances has been pivotal for Roma, who have relied heavily on their midfield creativity. The early goal set the tone for a match where Roma dominated possession, holding 74% of the ball and completing 90 passes compared to Midtjylland's 31. This stark contrast in ball control reflects Roma's tactical approach under coach Gian Piero Gasperini, emphasizing possession as a means to dictate play.

Despite their dominance, Roma's finishing has often left much to be desired. In this match, they managed only two shots on goal, yet they were clinical enough to secure the win. The team's recent form has seen them improve their conversion rates, as evidenced by their xG of 0.16, which, while low, was enough against a Midtjylland side that struggled to create clear-cut chances. The contrast between Roma's efficiency and Midtjylland's lack of offensive output was evident; the Danish side could only muster one shot on goal throughout the match.

Stephan El Shaarawy emerged as a key figure late in the game, scoring Roma's second goal in the 83rd minute. His resurgence is noteworthy; after a period of inconsistency, El Shaarawy's ability to find the net when it matters most could be a game-changer for Roma as they push for European qualification. This performance not only boosts his confidence but also reinforces his importance to the squad as they navigate a challenging season.

FC Midtjylland's recent form took a hit with this loss, marking their first defeat in the group stage after four consecutive wins. Their previous success had been built on a solid defensive foundation and efficient counter-attacking play, but against Roma, they were unable to replicate that effectiveness. The team struggled to maintain possession and create meaningful opportunities, reflecting their recent dip in form following a loss to Sonderjyske just days prior.

Paulinho, who scored Midtjylland's late consolation goal in the 87th minute, remains a bright spot for the team. His ability to find the back of the net has been crucial throughout their campaign, but this match highlighted the need for more support from his teammates. With only one shot on goal, Midtjylland's attack was stifled by Roma's organized defense, which has shown improvement in recent matches.

The statistical disparity between the two teams paints a clear picture of the match dynamics. Roma not only led in possession but also in passing accuracy at 88%, compared to Midtjylland's 65%. This efficiency allowed Roma to control the tempo and dictate play, forcing Midtjylland into a reactive stance rather than allowing them to implement their game plan.

Looking ahead, AS Roma will face Celtic in their next Europa League fixture on December 11, where they will aim to build on this momentum and secure a vital away victory. Meanwhile, FC Midtjylland will host Genk on the same day, needing to bounce back quickly to maintain their position at the top of the group.

This match serves as a reminder of Roma's potential when they harness their attacking talents effectively. With players like El Aynaoui and El Shaarawy stepping up at critical moments, there is reason for optimism as they seek to turn their season around. Conversely, Midtjylland must regroup and address their recent inconsistencies if they hope to remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.