AS Roma Women sealed their place in next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League after overturning a first-leg deficit to beat Sporting CP 2-0 in Lisbon on Thursday, Footynaija.com reports.
The victory confirmed a 3-2 aggregate win and ensures Nigerian stars Rinsola Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo will feature on Europe’s biggest stage.
Trailing 2-1 from the opening leg in Rome, Luca Rossettini’s side knew they needed a statement performance.
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They got the breakthrough just before half-time when Sporting defender Ashley Barron turned the ball into her own net. Minutes later, substitute Valentina Bergamaschi settled the tie, scoring within two minutes of coming on to silence the Portuguese crowd.
QUALIFICATEEEEEEEE!!!!
Domani alle 12:00 scopriremo le nostre prossime avversarie in @UWCL #ASRomaFemminile pic.twitter.com/gpiNxAPYlB
— AS Roma Femminile (@ASRomaFemminile) September 18, 2025
“The girls were extraordinary, they put in an incredible performance, and across both matches, they showed they wanted to win,” said Roma head coach Rossettini after the final whistle. “Being part of the competition was our goal, and I have to give the girls a huge compliment. Today, they put in a sensational performance with desire and courage. We’re in, and that’s the greatest satisfaction.”
Babajide started and played 60 minutes before being substituted, while Oladipo remained on the bench. Babajide has been in good form since joining Roma this summer, fresh from helping Nigeria win a record tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Roma now join Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris FC and Atletico Madrid in the league phase, with the draw scheduled for Friday.
Rossettini added: “We’ll think about the semifinal starting tomorrow. Now we’ll enjoy this achievement. It hasn’t been easy, but the girls gave their best in every training session. From tomorrow, we’ll prepare for the next target.”
