Leverkusen will travel to Italy for the first leg of the Europa League semifinal against Roma. Die Werkself have already secured the German title and are now aiming to claim the Europa League trophy.
Match Preview
Bayer Leverkusen remains undefeated in 46 matches in the 2023-24 season.
Xabi Alonso could also clinch the German Cup and guide Bayer to a treble. However, Daniele De Rossi and Roma will seek to upset the Germans.
This year’s Europa League semifinal mirrors last season’s semifinal. Indeed, Bayer Leverkusen faced Roma in the final four one year ago.
Roma secured a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico before earning a goalless draw in Leverkusen. However, both teams have undergone significant changes since then.
Die Werkself have continued to progress under Alonso, culminating in their first-ever Bundesliga title.
Roma dismissed Jose Mourinho earlier this season and appointed club legend De Rossi. The football has been more appealing and less contentious. Can Roma eliminate Leverkusen once again and advance to the final?
The Leverkusen team may be running low on energy. They drew each of their last three matches in all competitions.
Bayer’s 2-2 draw with Stuttgart came deep into second-half stoppage time. It marked the second consecutive week Die Werkself scored late to salvage a draw.
Since eliminating AC Milan from the Europa League in the quarterfinals, Roma failed to win two of their last three matches in Serie A. The Giallorossi drew 2-2 with Napoli in Naples over the weekend.
Roma has lost just three times at home this season. They have scored 54 goals at the Stadio Olimpico and conceded 21.
However, Roma will face a Bayer team that has won 17 matches and drawn five on the road this season. Bayer scored 53 goals in their 22 away matches and conceded only 18.
Leverkusen has managed just one win against Roma in their seven meetings since 2004. However, Roma only won two of those matches, with four ending in draws.
Prediction & Analysis:
With Leverkusen’s unbeaten run on the line, and Roma’s determination to avenge last season’s defeat, expect a fiercely contested match.
Leverkusen’s recent form suggests they have the quality to trouble Roma, but the hosts’ strong home record could tip the scales in their favor.
Our prediction leans towards a closely fought encounter, with both teams sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw. This result would keep Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak intact and set the stage for an intriguing second leg showdown.
- Roma 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen
