In a thrilling Thursday evening encounter, Bayer Leverkusen battled AS Roma to a 2-2 draw, securing their place in the Europa League final against Atalanta in Dublin. However, the journey to the final was far from straightforward for Die Werkself. At one stage, their unbeaten run and final hopes seemed in jeopardy.
Midway through the second half, Roma’s Leandro Parades converted a penalty to level the tie, putting Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak at risk. But Leverkusen, known for their resilience, quickly responded. In the 82nd minute, Gianluca Mancini’s own goal tilted the tie back in Leverkusen’s favor. Yet, the drama wasn’t over.
With seconds left on the clock, Josip Stanišić navigated through Roma’s defense, sealing the win with a calm finish past Mile Svilar. Once again, Leverkusen showcased their knack for last-minute heroics.
Missed Opportunities and Dominance
Despite the late drama, Leverkusen’s dominance throughout the game was undeniable. Granit Xhaka, reflecting on the match, expressed surprise at finding themselves 2-0 down, considering their control from the onset. Chance after chance was squandered, leaving the outcome uncertain.
Throughout the encounter, Leverkusen dictated play, creating numerous opportunities to put the tie beyond doubt. However, their failure to convert chances kept Roma in contention, leading to the late drama that unfolded.
Eyeing History in the Final
Despite the scare, Leverkusen now sets their sights on the final showdown against Atalanta. With a chance to secure the treble, Die Werkself are determined to make history. Xhaka reiterated the team’s commitment, vowing to do everything possible to bring the trophy to Leverkusen.
As Leverkusen prepares for the final, they will draw inspiration from their remarkable unbeaten run across all competitions, showcasing their resilience and determination. With momentum on their side, Leverkusen will enter the final with confidence, eager to overcome Atalanta and etch their name in European football history.
