A year ago, already opposed in the semi-final of the Europa League, AS Roma snatched their qualification against Bayer Leverkusen by converting their only clear opportunity in the two matches. This time, there was more of a spectacle during this first round at the Stadio Olimpico. Unable to score a single goal for the Romans in 180 minutes in 2023, Xabi Alonso’s players only needed 28 minutes to find the way to the opponent’s goal this year. Well launched by Alex Grimaldo who took advantage of an error by Rick Karsdorp, the young Florian Wirtz once again showed his lucidity in the last gesture to leave Silvar no chance (28th).
Undefeated for 46 matches in all competitions before this meeting in the Italian capital, the fresh German champion suffered a scare after twenty minutes with a header from Romelu Lukaku, when the Belgian striker found Matej Kovar’s cross.
In the second half, if Roma had more opportunity to approach the opponent’s sixteen meters, the visitors mastered their subject with great skill, conceding very few chances and only encountering problems in a few aerial duels . Well served by Josip Stanisic, Robert Andrich landed a shot from twenty meters to allow the Rhine club to double the lead (73rd) and take an important option in view of the final on May 22 in Dublin before the return match at the BayArena next Thursday.
