AS Roma Clinches Third Place, Returns to Champions League Stage

One month ago, on May 24, 2026, AS Roma concluded their Serie ACompetition·Serie A campaign with a pivotal 2-0 victory over Hellas VeronaTeam·Hellas Verona, a result that confirmed their qualification for the 2026/2027 UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League. This triumph ended an eight-year wait for the Giallorossi to return to Europe's premier club competition, solidifying their third-place finish in the league standings with 73 points, just three points adrift of second-placed Napoli.

Under the strategic guidance of head coach Gian Piero GasperiniCoach·Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma showcased formidable form throughout the 2025/2026 season. The team secured victories in 60.53% of their matches, culminating in an impressive unbeaten streak in their final seven fixtures and winning their last five consecutive games. A cornerstone of their success was a robust defensive performance, conceding an average of only 0.82 goals per game.

The decisive match against Hellas VeronaTeam·Hellas Verona saw crucial contributions from Donyell MalenPlayer·Donyell Malen and Stephan El ShaarawyPlayer·Stephan El Shaarawy, whose goals sealed the victory. The game was not without its dramatic moments, including a vital save by goalkeeper Mile SvilarPlayer·Mile Svilar and a missed penalty by Malen, as recalled by fans. These moments only heightened the tension and eventual elation.

Roma's return to the Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League ignited widespread jubilation among its supporters. The emotional outpouring reflected years of anticipation and a deep connection to the club's European aspirations.

"The beginning of a new chapter,"— Juha.

He fondly remembered "tears of joy running down our faces and hugging friends" as the season concluded. Andrea expressed a "liberating scream caught in my throat," while Adriano, upon discovering the result after a flight, "let out a scream: Daje, we're going to the Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League!"

Alessandro articulated a "sense of liberation" and the feeling that Roma was "back where we deserve to be," anticipating future "magical nights with trophies and champions" to share with his son. Valerio recounted "crying tears of joy" and embracing his friend Martina after El Shaarawy's 93rd-minute goal, viewing it as "the start of something different as well as the end of that streak of disappointments."

Beyond the sporting achievement, Roma's qualification carries significant financial benefits, crucial for the club's continued growth and ambition. Coach Gasperini has been widely commended for his tactical influence in guiding the team to this success. Defender Gianluca ManciniPlayer·Gianluca Mancini, who had a pivotal role in a derby victory against LazioTeam·Lazio earlier in May, expressed his excitement about making his Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League debut. While the team's defensive solidity provides a strong foundation for the upcoming European campaign, strengthening the attack is identified as a key priority for the summer transfer window to enhance their competitiveness against Europe's elite.