Bayer Leverkusen heads to Rome on Thursday for a Europa League semi-final rematch with a burning desire for revenge. This marks their second consecutive year reaching this stage, facing the very team that knocked them out in 2023.
Leverkusen’s remarkable run continues. Xabi Alonso’s men remain undefeated in 46 games and are fresh off securing their first-ever Bundesliga title. This momentum has propelled them to heavy favorites for the Europa League final in Dublin.
Last season’s encounter with Roma was a heartbreaker. A 1-0 aggregate defeat left them watching as Roma fell just short in a penalty shootout to Sevilla. This year, Leverkusen is hungry for redemption.
“We have a thirst for revenge,” declared Leverkusen CEO Fernando Corro. “We’re driven by a great desire to win and reach the final. We’ll do whatever it takes.”
Leverkusen has become known for their late heroics. They’ve snatched a staggering 16 goals in stoppage time across all competitions this season. Most recently, Robert Andrich grabbed a dramatic 96th-minute equalizer in a 2-2 draw with Stuttgart.
This clutch mentality has been particularly crucial in the Europa League. Former Roma striker Patrik Schick delivered three goals in added time during their 5-4 win over Qarabag in the last-16. Late strikes also proved decisive against West Ham in the quarter-finals.
“It’s hard to explain how we keep pulling these results out of the fire,” admitted Coach Alonso after the Stuttgart game. “But we hope it continues for the rest of the season. We secured the championship, but we’re not done yet. Staying undefeated remains a major goal.”
While Leverkusen can focus solely on Europe, Roma faces a grueling schedule.
Daniele De Rossi’s squad is chasing an extra Champions League spot in Serie A due to league restructuring. Additionally, they aim for a third consecutive continental final appearance.
Roma’s recent weeks have been a whirlwind. They secured a last-four berth with a win over AC Milan, sandwiched between the Rome derby and clashes with top-five rivals. A midweek fixture against Udinese was even replayed due to a medical emergency on the pitch.
Their next two league matches are against title contenders Juventus and Atalanta, making the coming fortnight critical for De Rossi’s project. He’s revitalized his boyhood club since taking over from Jose Mourinho in January.
“My players are giving everything to salvage this season,” De Rossi told DAZN after the Napoli draw. “We know it’s a tall order. We need results to reach the Champions League or win the Europa League.”
De Rossi will be bolstered by the return of key players. Romelu Lukaku is back alongside Paulo Dybala, with Chris Smalling and Leandro Paredes also available after injury and suspension.
“We need a flawless performance,” acknowledged De Rossi. “Their unbeaten record and knack for late goals are testaments to their exceptional qualities. They may be undefeated, but they’re not invincible.”
This Europa League semi-final promises to be an epic clash. Leverkusen’s relentless pursuit of victory meets Roma’s fight for a historic treble. With both sides boasting firepower and resilience, the battle for Dublin is sure to be a nerve-wracking affair