Bayer Leverkusen put themselves in an excellent position at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening to qualify for the Europa League final in the second leg in a week’s time. The “Werkself” deservedly won 2-0 against AS Roma. At the same time, Leverkusen extended their unbeaten streak in competitive games to 47 games this season. Xabi Alonso’s team didn’t lose a single one of 31 Bundesliga, 11 EL and 5 cup games.
At the beginning, however, it was the Romans who put their stamp on the game. In the 21st minute, Romelu Lukaku narrowly missed taking the lead with his crossbar header.
Serious mistake from Karsdorp
Lukaku’s chance acted as a kind of wake-up call for Leverkusen. A short time later, the Bundesliga club took over the reins and had their first good opportunity through Jeremie Frimpong (23′).
Five minutes later, the visitors’ lead with midfield director Granit One day before his 21st birthday, the young star scored to make it 1-0.
Andrich hits the corner
Before the break, Leverkusen had further chances to make it 2-0 through Wirtz and again through Frimpong. However, the second goal only came after 73 minutes, but it was absolutely worth seeing: Robert Andrich shot from around 22 meters and hit the corner wonderfully.
Rome failed to respond – until deep into stoppage time. In the 94th, Tammy Abraham got a header from around 4 meters after a mistake by Leverkusen goalie Matej Kovar, but put it over the crossbar to the dismay of his teammates.
The second leg will take place in Leverkusen in a week. The Europa League final is scheduled for May 22nd in Dublin.