Hummels’ Late Equaliser Denies Spurs Victory In Europa League Clash.
Veteran defender Mats Hummels salvaged a dramatic point for Claudio Ranieri’s Roma with a stoppage-time equaliser against Tottenham in the Europa League.
The 35-year-old Germany international, making his first European appearance since the Champions League final in July, endured a turbulent evening. Hummels conceded an early penalty after fouling Pape Matar Sarr in the box, which Son Heung-min converted to give Spurs an early lead. However, he redeemed himself in the dying moments, tapping in Angelino’s precise cross to secure a 2-2 draw.
Tottenham dominated the first half, with Brennan Johnson doubling their lead with a superb first-time finish after a Dejan Kulusevski assist. Roma managed to claw back through defender Evan N’Dicka’s header, setting the stage for a tense second half.
Stephan El Shaarawy thought he had levelled for Roma with a brilliant volley, but VAR ruled it out for offside. Spurs missed several chances to extend their advantage, with Johnson denied by a goal-line clearance and Son squandering a rebound after Kulusevski’s shot struck the post. Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro both hit the woodwork in the second half, adding to the hosts’ frustration.
Roma turned up the pressure after the break, with Angelino rattling the bar and two goals from Artem Dovbyk and Manu Kone disallowed for offside. Ranieri’s men pushed relentlessly, eventually rewarded by Hummels’ late strike.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou faced challenges with a depleted squad, making four late substitutions that failed to stem Roma’s growing dominance. His side now sits ninth in the Europa League league phase standings, outside the top eight that guarantee a direct route to the knockout stage.
Roma, currently enjoying a resurgence under 73-year-old Ranieri, continue their rollercoaster season. The former Leicester City and Chelsea manager, now in his third stint at his boyhood club, has brought renewed energy to the team.
With matches against Rangers, Hoffenheim, and Elfsborg ahead, Tottenham must regroup quickly if they hope to avoid a play-off match. Meanwhile, Roma’s spirited performance suggests they remain a formidable force in Europe.
