Nico Williams fuels San Mamés final hopes with electrifying display

[caption id=attachment_1228738 align=alignnone width=1024] BILBAO, SPAIN - MARCH 13: Nico Williams of Athletic Club celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Athletic Club and AS Roma at San Mames on March 13, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)[/caption]Athletic Bilbaos dream of playing the UEFA Europa League final on home soil remains alive, thanks to Nico Williams heroics in a thrilling night at San Mams.The Red and Whites side overturned a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Claudio Ranieris Roma, securing a decisive 3-1 victory that sent them through to the quarterfinals. The reward? A showdown with Glasgow Rangers, with the first leg set to take place in Bilbao.This is very important for us. We know that there is a final in San Mams, and we really want to be in it, Williams told Movistar after the game.The winger expressed his gratitude to the home supporters, whose unwavering energy lifted the team throughout the encounter, despite ongoing tensions between the clubs Board of Directors and the fan section.Williams wasnt shocked by Romas late goal that added drama to the final moments. Being from Athletic means suffering, he admitted.Having struck twice and rattled the post, he narrowly missed a hat trick but remained focused. I hope I had another goal, but Im very happy for the team, he added. Read Full Story