(Roma – Bayer Leverkusen 0-2) They have already pushed the limits this season, but there seems to be more strength left in Xabi Alonso's side.
On Thursday evening, they achieved a strong victory over Roma 2-0 in the Italian capital, in the first match of the Europa League semi-finals.
This means the final in Dublin on May 22 is within reach before the return leg in Germany. They have already secured the historic Bundesliga title in impressive fashion. They are also ready for the German Cup final.
They refuse to lose. The victory in the mighty Olympiastadion was Leverkusen's 47th match of the season – and also their 47th consecutive match without defeat.
Leverkusen can win more in a month and a half than they have done combined in the club's history. Two trophies are all that was in the Bay Arena's cupboard: one cup championship from 1993 and one European League championship, the UEFA Cup from 1988.
The new versions of these jackpots can be played in a few quick days in May. The Bundesliga gold is already in the box.
Late scoring has become a Leverkusen trademark. Against Roma, it was almost against the norm and a relatively comfortable victory was achieved early on.
After a header from the home team's Romelu Lukaku hit the crossbar after about 20 minutes of play, the Germans controlled the ball more and more. In the first half, key player Florian Wirtz (20 years old) was able to take the lead after his teammate Alejandro Grimaldo intercepted the ball from the Roma defense and Wirtz played to score a simple goal:
The latter has excelled this season and scored his seventh goal in the last eight matches. Additionally, he has a total of 12 goals in this year's Europa League season.
2-0 came after 73 minutes. Robert Andrich had plenty of time to set up a shot just outside Roma's 16-metre box and sent the ball beautifully to the farthest cross.
note! The other semi-final of the tournament ended in a 1-1 draw between Marseille and Atalanta. In their third UEFA Championship, the Conference League, Aston Villa lost somewhat surprisingly 4-2 at home to Olympiacos of Greece. While Club Brugge of Norway lost to Fiorentina of Italy 2-3 after winning the match in extra time. Hugo Vettelsen was replaced, while Antonio Nosa was an unused reserve.
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