Bayer Leverkusen edges closer to UEL final with away victory over AS Roma in first leg

Bayer Leverkusen secured a 2-0 lead over AS Roma in the Europa League semi-final’s first leg, inching closer to their first European final since 2002. This victory comes on the heels of their recent Bundesliga title and record-setting unbeaten streak across all competitions.

Coach Xabi Alonso praised his team’s disciplined and mature performance. “We defended closely and compactly, so we are satisfied with the performance. But the return match has not yet been played,” he remarked at the post-match press conference.

The match began with Leverkusen taking early control, though Roma found their rhythm as the half progressed. Roma’s Romelu Lukaku nearly scored early on with a header that struck the bar.

The game’s dynamics shifted when Florian Wirtz capitalized on a defensive mistake from Roma. A misdirected pass from Roma’s Rick Karsdorp intended for Leonardo Spinazzola was intercepted by Leverkusen’s Alex Grimaldo. He passed it to Wirtz, who scored with a low shot into the bottom right corner.

Leverkusen continued to press, with Jeremie Frimpong narrowly missing a chance to double the lead. However, Robert Andrich did extend the advantage in the 73rd minute with a powerful shot from outside the box that left Roma’s goalkeeper, Mile Svilar, no chance to save.

Roma had a late opportunity to score through Tammy Abraham, but his header went just over the bar.

This meeting marked the second consecutive season the teams faced off at this stage, with Roma having advanced last year after managing a slim aggregate victory over Leverkusen.

The semi-final’s second leg is scheduled for next Thursday in Leverkusen. The winner will play against either Olympique de Marseille or Atalanta in the final on May 22 at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.