Of a last dance and a triple mission

The newly crowned German champions Bayer Leverkusen haven't had enough yet. In the Europa League, Xabi Alonso and Co. have to eliminate West Ham in the fight for the next title on Thursday evening. In the all-Italian quarter-finals, Roma wants to defend a narrow lead against Milan.

18 April 2024

From: dpa/tu

For the newly crowned German soccer champion Bayer Leverkusen The next highlight is on the program on Thursday. The team of successful coach Xabi Alonso wants to be there West Ham United (21.00 p.m.) secure a place in the semi-finals of the Europa League. The Germans travel to London with a 2-0 cushion.

In Leverkusen's fabulous season without defeats so far, the next hurdle awaits Alonso. Just four days after the lavish championship celebration, the focus must be sharpened on the next goal in the hunt for the treble. Now the factory club is about taking the next step to bring the European Cup to the Rhine. However, the supposedly safe first leg result in combination with a possible feeling of masterful invincibility could prove to be deceptive.

The genius behind the championship title: Xabi Alonso. © APA/afp / INA FASSBENDER

“2-0 is a very dangerous result,” warned leader Granit Xhaka after the first duel. The Swiss record national player is certain about the opponent: “With 60.000 or 70.000 behind them, it will be a different team.” SC Freiburg can tell a thing or two about that. In the round of 1, the Breisgauers with ÖFB striker Michael Gregoritsch were sent home with a 0-0 pack after a 5-XNUMX win at home.

Xhaka warns about West Ham's home strength

This Europa League season, the English have won every game at the London Stadium. “I played there against West Ham for seven years. I know how difficult it is to play there,” said ex-Arsenal professional Xhaka. If Leverkusen remains undefeated against West Ham in their 44th competitive game in a row, Bayer would set a record for the top five leagues in England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France. No team there has managed a series like this in this millennium. The current record of 5 games without defeat is currently shared by Bayer and Juventus.

The duel between Milan and Roma will also be very interesting. © ANSA / MATTEO BAZZI

Either waits in the semi-finals AS Roma or the AC Milan. The Romans go into the return game with a 1-0 advantage, and coach Daniele de Rossi's team also has home advantage. There is a lot at stake, especially for the Milanese who are actually favored; if they are eliminated, a titleless season is almost a certainty. If the city derby against the designated Serie A champions Inter is lost on Monday, things could get tight for Rossoneri coach Stefano Pioli.

Klopp's last Liverpool dance in Europe?

It's definitely over at the end of the season Liverpool-Coach Jürgen Klopp. The English are all the more hoping for a miracle after the recent sporting setbacks in the Premier League and the European Cup Atalanta in Bergamo.

Jürgen Klopp will leave the Reds after this season. © ANSA / DARREN STAPLES

A week ago, the Italians disenchanted the “Reds” at Anfield Road, the 0-3 burden now rests heavily on the shoulders of Mohamed Salah and Co. “We will give everything we have,” promised left-back Andy Robertson. Klopp's team proved that a big win against the Bergamasques is possible three and a half years ago with a 5-0 win in the Champions League.

The winner of the duel meets the winner of the quarter-final pairing between Olympique Marseille and Benfica Lisbon. The Portuguese are defending a 2-1 lead from the first leg in southern France.

Europa League, quarter-final second leg (21.00 p.m.)

AS Roma – AC Milan (1-0 after first leg)
Atalanta – Liverpool (3-0 after first leg)
West Ham United – Bayer Leverkusen (0:2 after first leg)
Marseille – Benfica (1:2 after first leg)

Conference League, quarter-final second legs

18.45 pm
Fiorentina – Viktoria Plzen (0-0 after first leg)
OSC Lille – Aston Villa (1:2 after first leg)

21.00 pm
Fenerbahce Istanbul – Olympiakos Piraeus (2:3 after first leg)
PAOK – FC Brugge (0:1 after first leg)