Bayer Leverkusen Secures Crucial 2-0 Victory Over AS Roma in Europa League Semi-Final First Leg

Bayer Leverkusen has taken a significant step towards the Europa League final after securing a vital 2-0 victory over AS Roma in the semi-final first leg at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The German side, who remain unbeaten in all competitions this season, dominated the match with 19 shots compared to Roma's 8, and 4 shots on goal to Roma's 2.

Leverkusen's goals came courtesy of a stunning strike from Andrich in the 54th minute and a well-taken effort by Wirtz just nine minutes later. Roma had their chances, particularly through Tammy Abraham, who led the attack in the absence of the injured Romelu Lukaku, but the English striker's header sailed over the crossbar in the first half.

The statistics from the match paint a clear snapshot of Leverkusen's superiority, with Xabi Alonso's side enjoying 53% possession, maintaining an impressive 87% passing accuracy, and committing 12 fouls. In contrast, Roma had 47% possession, 84% passing accuracy, and committed 6 fouls. Both teams received three yellow cards apiece in what was a fiercely contested encounter.

This victory keeps Leverkusen's remarkable unbeaten streak in the 2023/24 season intact and sets them on course for a potential treble, having already secured their first-ever Bundesliga title. Roma's manager Daniele De Rossi had called on his tired squad to stand up during crunch time, emphasizing the need for a big performance at the Olimpico to have a chance of getting past the competition's favorites. However, Leverkusen proved too strong on the night.

In the other semi-final match, Marseille and Atalantaplayed out a 1-1 drawat the Stade Velodrome. Gianluca Scamacca opened the scoring for the Italian side with his 16th goal of the campaign, but Chancel Mbemba equalized for Marseille with a brilliant strike from outside the penalty box. The tie is delicately balanced ahead of the return fixture in Italy next week.

Leverkusen's impressive performance against Roma was achieved despite the absence of key players Borja Iglesias and Adam Hlozek because of injuries. However, Jonathan Tah was fit to start, and the German defender played a vital role in keeping a clean sheet. Roma, meanwhile, were without suspended defender Zeki Celik and the influential Lukaku.

The second leg of the semi-final is scheduled for May 18, with the winner advancing to the final in Dublin on May 31. Leverkusen will be confident of finishing the job at home, while Roma faces an uphill battle to overturn the two-goal deficit. The Giallorossi will need to produce a monumental performance in Germany to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.

Bayer Leverkusen's 2-0 victory over AS Roma in the Europa Leaguesemi-final first leghas put them in a commanding position to reach the final in Dublin. Goals from Andrich and Wirtz, coupled with a dominant display, have left Roma with a mountain to climb in the second leg. Meanwhile, the 1-1 draw between Marseille and Atalanta sets up an intriguing return fixture in Italy. Leverkusen looks set to continue their unbeaten run and potentially secure a historic treble this season, with the first leg now behind them.

Key Takeaways

• Bayer Leverkusen beats AS Roma 2-0 in Europa League semi-final first leg.
• Andrich and Wirtz score for Leverkusen, who dominate with 19 shots.
• Leverkusen remains unbeaten this season, on course for potential treble.
• Marseille and Atalanta draw 1-1 in other semi-final match.
• Leverkusen hosts Roma in second leg on May 18, with winner advancing to final.