Europa League
Bayer Leverkusen seems to be heading unstoppably towards the treble. The designated German champions won the semi-final first leg in the Europa League away from AS Roma 2-0 (1-0) on Thursday and put themselves in an optimal starting position for the second leg in a week. Florian Wirtz (28th) and Robert Andrich (73rd) scored for coach Xabi Alonso’s team in their 47th unbeaten competitive game. In the second semi-final, Marseille and Atalanta Bergamo drew 1-1.
02.05.2024 23.17
Online since yesterday, 11:17 p.m
The Leverkusen players had a great desire for revenge beforehand. Last year, the Werkself failed in the semi-finals against Roma, who were then coached by Jose Mourinho, with an overall score of 1-0. In the goalless second leg, the Romans’ destructive style of play and, above all, their irritating time play angered people.
A year later, Leverkusen got off to a better start at the Stadio Olimpico, showing their usual strong play and passing skills. Roma, whose coach Daniele De Rossi confidently said before the duel that there were “no unbeatable teams”, initially waited for transition situations. Following a standard situation, the home team then scored their first big chance. Romelu Lukaku headed the ball onto the top edge of the crossbar (21′).
Leverkusen wins at AS Roma
Leverkusen has laid the foundation for a place in the final of the Europa League. The German champions beat AS Roma 2-0 in the first leg of the semi-final.
Dream goal to make it 2-0 by Andrich
Practically in return, Alonso’s team also found their first big chance. Jeremie Frimpong only hit the side netting (23′). At the beginning of Leverkusen’s strongest phase, Wirtz scored the opening goal after preparation by Alejandro Grimaldo, who intercepted a failed back pass. Leverkusen didn’t let up, Wirtz (31′), Frimpong (34′) and Andrich (41′) missed the 2-0. A long-range shot from captain Lorenzo Pellegrini caused danger for the defeated Romans (43′).
After the break, Roma gained more of the game. Chances for equalization by Rick Karsdorp (49′) and Bryan Cristante (56′) remained unused. This took revenge because Andrich circled the ball into the left corner of the cross from a good 20 meters with a remarkable shot (73′). Sardar Azmoun (84th) and Tammy Abraham (94th) missed their best chances to score in the final phase. For Leverkusen, the first international final game in 22 years is within reach.
APA/AFP/Alberto Pizzoli Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso led his team to their next victory
Two early goals in Marseille
In Marseille, Atalanta striker Gianluca Scamacca took the first chance to take the lead with a well-placed finish (11th). The home team quickly digested the early shock and Chancel Mbemba equalized with a long-range shot (20′). In an intense and hard-fought game, Marseille’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed his eleventh goal of the season in the Europa League (42nd) shortly before half-time.
Scamacca takes the lead
Atalanta takes the first chance of the game and takes the lead. Goal scorer Gianluca Scamacca coldly converts into the bottom left corner (11th).
In the second half of the game, Iliman Ndiaye failed to hit the crossbar (73′). A few moments later, Atalanta were lucky again when a mistake by goalkeeper Juan Musso went unpunished (74′). As a result, Atalanta managed to draw over time. The fight for the final ticket (May 22nd in Dublin) remains completely open.
Mbemba equalizes
Chancel Mbemba uses the space, takes his shot, hits the top left corner and scores the equalizer for Olympique Marseille.
2024-05-02 21:19:05
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