Roma 0-1 Villarreal: Match report, reaction and key statistics

With a 4-0 first leg advantage to work with, an early strike from the Spanish side's Rafael Santos Borre threatened to make things interesting - especially as the Giallorossi continued to play with a little less than the breathtaking fluidity fans have seen in recent weeks.

But some great saves from Alisson Becker ensured the visitors never really came close to finding a second goal - which could have put the cat amongst the pigeons - as the Giallorossi eventually held on to progress with ease.

Other than the result, there was one further disappointment for coach Luciano Spalletti - as Antonio Rudiger received a red card after picking up two quick yellows.

Nevertheless, Roma are into Friday's draw - the main target from what originally promised to be a very tough tie.

Team selection

Coach Luciano Spalletti made a number of changes to his side, given the first leg advantage, and confirmed prior to kick-off that both Alisson and Francesco Totti would start.

Elsewhere there were also starting berths for Mario Rui, Juan Jesus and Thomas Vermaelen - with Diego Perotti and Stephan El Shaarawy supporting Totti in attack.

Key moments

FIRST HALF

10' - A half-chance for Villarreal - Roberto Soriano's ambitious side-footed attempt kisses the bar and goes over.

15' - Goal. An early strike for the visitors - Santos Borre pounces in the box and lashes home from 10 yards... 0-1.

30' - A couple of moments of class from the captain enliven the crowd. A dangerous pass causes panic, then a bold volley flies over...

33' - Great save from Alisson! The Brazilian palms away Hernandez's powerful effort!

40' - Another good save from Alisson, this time to deny Roberto Soriano from range!

See more images in our match gallery.

SECOND HALF

49' - Alisson comfortably tips away Borre's rising effort, after Villarreal break in behind the defence...

52' - CHANCE FOR ROMA! El Shaarawy crosses for Perotti, but his header is held by the goalkeeper!

54' - Another attempt on goal from Perotti, and another save from Fernandez!

62' - Totti drives a free-kick at goal - it is deflected but the referee waves away appeals for a penalty...

78' - CHANCE FOR TOTTI! Perotti runs down the left and squares for the striker, but he fires just over the bar!

80' - Red card. Ahead of a free-kick there is a scuffle in the box - and in the aftermath Rudiger is shown a 2nd yellow... Roma down to 10.

89' - Another great save from Alisson, as he again denies Roberto Soriano...

See more game statistics in our dedicated match centre.

Social media reaction

Roma reaction

"I think the display is all down to the team I picked. I put [Diego] Perotti and [Stephan] El Shaarawy out wide and they tracked back with the full-backs and ended up getting caught on the defensive line. I caused a few issues because I worked them harder than I planned to yesterday, so I hold my hands up."

- Luciano Spalletti

What's next?

The draw for the next round of the Europa League takes place on Friday, at 13:00 CET.

The club's next Serie A encounter is against Inter Milan on Sunday, before Wednesday sees them face Lazio in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final.

Saturday then sees another Stadio Olimpico encounter, as Napoli come to town for a huge Serie A meeting.

A big 10 days for the Giallorossi.

ROMA 0-1 VILLARREAL
(Roma win 4-1 on aggregate)

Goalscorers: Santos Borre (15')

Roma: Alisson; Jesus, Manolas (Rudiger), Vermaelen; Mario Rui, De Rossi (Nainggolan), Paredes, Peres (Fazio); Perotti, El Shaarawy; Totti.

Villarreal: Andres Fernandez; Angel, Bonera, Alvaro, Rukavina; Cheryshev (Bakambu), Bruno Soriano, Hernandez, Roberto Soriano; Santos Borre, Soldado (Adrian).