Bayer Leverkusen extended their winning streak this season with a spectacular performance against Roma in the Europa League semi-finals.
With a 2-0 victory over the Giallorossi at the Stadio Olimpico, the Bundesliga Champions put themselves in a strong position to proceed to the final.
Despite the return of key players such as Romelu Lukaku and Chris Smalling from injury, Roma struggled against a strong Leverkusen side.
Xabi Alonso’s side hopes to avenge last season’s semi-final setback against the squad that beat them with Jose Mourinho as coach.
The match started with Lukaku narrowly missing a header that rattled the crossbar.
However, Leverkusen capitalized on a defensive error, allowing Alex Grimaldo to set up Florian Wirtz for the opener.
Leverkusen’s defense and goalkeeper Mile Svilar’s fine saves thwarted Roma’s attempts to equalize.
Despite Lorenzo Pellegrini’s near-miss and Bryan Cristante’s effort, Leverkusen extended their lead with a stunning strike from Robert Andrich.
The match ended with a heated exchange between both teams’ players, which resulted in yellow cards for Leonardo Spinazzola and Granit Xhaka.
Roma’s late attempts to score were in vain, with Tammy Abraham squandering a golden opportunity in stoppage time.
