Leverkusen's invincibility meets dangerous Romans

On Thursday evening, Bayer Leverkusen wants to take the next step towards the treble and a possible historic season in the first leg of the Europa Leauge semi-final. At the same time, Atalanta also wants to reach the final against Marseille.

02 Maj 2024

From: apa

In the semi-final first leg of the Europa League, Bayer Leverkusen will face AS Roma away at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday (21 p.m.). In the new edition of last year's semi-final, the "Werkself" want to take revenge for their elimination last season. In a parallel duel between Olympique Marseille and Atalanta (21 p.m.), the second participant for the final on May 22nd in Dublin will be determined.

Leverkusen played 46 competitive games this season and remained unbeaten. Since being crowned champions, there have only been three draws, all of which were only saved shortly before the end of the game. Now the newly crowned German champions will face the Romans again, with whom they still have a score to settle. Last year, the capital city team, who were still coached by Jose Mourinho, won the first leg 1-0, and a 0-0 draw in the second leg was enough for them to reach the final.

Leverkusen's golden boy: Florian Wirtz. © APA/afp / INA FASSBENDER

On the way to the targeted triple, coach Xabi Alonso's team now wants to turn the tables. “We have the chance to win the treble. This means everything to all the players and everyone at the club. That’s why these two games against Roma are hard work, but absolute highlights,” explained sports director Simon Rolfes on Wednesday. “The energy that we were able to draw from the semi-finals and the big disappointment last year is what drives us.” And Alonso emphasized: “We want to stay unbeaten until the end of the season.”

The Old and New Roman Emperor: Daniele De Rossi

The opponent now presents itself differently than last year. Since Daniele De Rossi took over as coach at AS Roma in January, the capital city team has been on the upswing. The club veteran gave the Giallorossi a slightly more offensive style of play - with success. In 20 competitive games there were only three defeats. In the league, the Romans are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League and in the Europa League quarter-finals they eliminated AC Milan with two wins.

Daniele De Rossi believes in his team. © ANSA / ETTORE FERRARI

The new self-confidence should also be demonstrated against Bayer. De Rossi is unmoved by the fact that the Germans are still unbeaten. “There are no unbeatable teams,” said the 40-year-old. Striker Tammy Abraham would like to prove this in the home game. “We would like to be the team that ends its run,” said the Englishman, referring to the Werkself. With Abraham, Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku, Roma certainly has the necessary offensive arsenal.

Atalanta wants to reach the final

In the second semi-final, Marseille initially has home advantage against Liverpool conquerors Atalanta. The French overcame Benfica Lisbon in the quarter-finals. It would be Marseille's second final appearance; in 2018, Atletico Madrid was one size too big. Atalanta only lost one of their last six league games, and they played well against favorites Liverpool in the quarter-finals.

Aston Villa is on a historic mission in the Conference Leauge. The traditional English football club is aiming to reach the European Cup final for the first time in 42 years in the semi-finals of the Conference League. The club from Birmingham welcomes Olympiacos Piraeus in the first leg on Thursday (21 p.m.), the fourth-placed team in the Premier League is considered favorite against the Greeks. At the same time, Fiorentina and Club Brugge will play part one of their semi-final duel in Florence.