Roma defeats Bayer Leverkusen with a late breakthrough thanks to a finish from the club’s rising youth star Bove.
Small details decide the outcome. It’s a line you hear often in football, and the first leg of the Europa League semifinal between Roma and Bayer Leverkusen proved it true. A long ball from Tammy Abraham opened the scoring, and the link between midfielder Eduardo Bove and the England forward continued to create chances. The decisive moment arrived when Bove pounced on a parried shot from Hradecky and fired home, sending the Olimpico into a roar and sealing a lead for the home side.
ALL ABOUT ROME USA BAYER LEVERKUSEN EUROPE LEAGUE 2022-2023
Leverkusen could have taken more from their time in the Italian capital, but finishing let them down. Wirtz, Andrich, and Frimpong found opportunities, yet Rui Patricio and a robust showing from Cristante at the back kept the score tight. The second leg in Germany promises a gripping return.
You can subscribe to DAZN from €18.99 per month to watch LaLiga
Minute by minute Rome vs. Bayer Leverkusen of the Europa League
Press conferences and statements from the Rome v Bayer Leverkusen Europa League
Videos, lineups and news from the Rome v Bayer Leverkusen Europa League
The goal that gives Roma the lead in the draw
90´ + 4 Final whistle! Rome clinches the result in the capital.
90: Four minutes of stoppage time were added.
86´ Patricio comes out for an aerial ball after a scramble, Frimpong pounces and Cristante finishes under the keeper to keep the advantage for Roma.
Mourinho adjusts the setup from the bench, Dybala coming on to support Abraham and Wijnaldum.
Xabi Alonso responds to Roma’s goal
62´ A sensational strike from Abraham after a long ball from the defense. Bove tees up the chance, and a rebound falls to the youngster who nets with a composed finish to put Roma ahead.
48′ Spinazzola creates a threat down the left, cutting inside and delivering a cross that Abraham cannot convert as Mancini arrives late.
The action returns to the capital with renewed intensity.
45´ + 3 A tense first half closes with play halted due to several interruptions; hopes are high for a decisive second period.
45′ Three minutes of additional time are signalled.
36‘ An injury forces a change as Kossounou cannot continue and Bakker replaces him.
33 ’ The match resumes after a spell of fouls and breaks. The mood is set for a strong start to the second period.
They share a history of competing against each other with mutual respect. Mourinho and Alonso meet again after a long time.
18´ Rome had a chance as Ibáñez headed a free kick narrowly wide, with Hradecky denying the opening goal.
6´ Leverkusen presses again as Wirtz finds space but fails to convert a tight chance.
1´ Leverkusen on the attack early, Hincapie delivering from the left and Andrich driving into the area, only to be thwarted by Patricio.
The atmosphere at the Olimpico is electric, and Roma fans show their enthusiasm with an unforgettable reception for the players.
Players and staff from Roma relish the moment as they walk through the crowd after the warm welcome from the home supporters.
And these are the selections chosen by Xabi Alonso. Hlozek may feature as the main attacking reference if Schick remains sidelined.
Roma reveal their starting XI and Mourinho confirms the lineup for the Europa League clash.
Summary of Rome v Bayer Leverkusen Europa League
All figures and statistics of the Juventus vs. Seville Europa League
Source: Goal