Roma edge past Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 in a tense Europa League semifinal first leg
In Rome, the Europa League first leg between Roma and Bayer Leverkusen carried the echo of two renowned managers who once crossed paths at Real Madrid. Mourinho proved his tactical discipline once again, steering Roma to a 1-0 victory that leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg. The outcome gives the Italian side the edge on home soil, but the overall result remains open with plenty still to play for in the upcoming rematch.
The atmosphere at kickoff was bright, but the atmosphere quickly intensified as two managers famed for their strategic acuity set their teams on different trajectories. With injuries shaping both lineups, Roma deployed a distinctive frontline that kept Leverkusen under pressure without their star forward. Abraham and Belotti formed the spearhead for Roma, a choice born from the absence of key teammates, while Leverkusen arrived without Wijnaldum and El Shaarawy among others. Early exchanges hinted at danger from both sides, though Leverkusen started somewhat brighter in the capital.
Leverkusen pressed with tempo, bringing two clear ideas to the game, yet meaningful chances remained scarce in the early minutes. The pivotal moment came from a set-piece in the neutral zone that jolted the Olímpico into a roar. A precise pass from Pellegrini linked with a touch from Ibáñez, and Kradecki had to intervene to prevent a potential scoring opportunity as Abraham waited for a loose rebound. That moment underscored Roma’s resolve and signaled a turning point as the first half progressed.
From there, Roma grew more compact and began to control the tempo, tamping down Leverkusen’s attacking impact. The second half brought a crisper, more vertical rhythm. Roma pressed higher and moved the ball with intent, while Spinazzola found space on the left to test Frimpong with dangerous forays. The Italian forwards Belotti and Abraham showed rising energy, squeezing for space as Leverkusen’s defense held firm. The balance shifted in Roma’s favor as the match wore on.
A defining moment arrived when a young Roman-born player, long trusted by the coach, retrieved possession near the front line and fed Abraham. The striker advanced, then passed the ball to a teammate, igniting a surge of energy that swept through the stands in the 63rd minute. The city held its breath as Roma pressed for a breakthrough that could shape the tie and hint at a potential second European final appearance for the club in the near future.
Mourinho urged relentless effort, asking his players to chase every ball. Leverkusen stayed stubborn, but Roma’s organized defense remained stubbornly intact. Rui Patricio stood attentive behind a disciplined back line even as Frimpong sought opportunities on the wings. A late collision between Ibáñez and Patricio in the box added tension, yet Frimpong’s follow-up failed to seize the moment. The home side’s wall held firm, with Dybala and Wijnaldum applying late pressure and Cristante delivering impressive defensive discipline to steady the late push.
When the whistle blew, Mourinho had clinched the first leg, yet the tie remained very much alive. Leverkusen still owned the path to qualification in the return match, while Roma carried a slender one-goal cushion into the second leg, a margin that could prove decisive as the two teams vie for a place in the final. The match took place at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, a venue that added drama and gave the home side a tangible advantage in this pivotal European clash.
Data sheet
1 – Rome: Rui Patricio; Mancini, Cristante, Ibanez; Smalling, Bove (Wijnaldum, m.76), Matic, Spinazzola; Pellegrini; Abraham and Belotti (Dybala, m.76).
0 – Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky; Kossounou (Bakker, art. 36), Tapsoba, Tah; Frimpong, Palacios, Andrich (Amiri, m.93), Emphasis; Diaby (Named, art. 72), Wirtz; Hlozek (Azmun, m.72).
Targets: 1-0, m.63
Judges: Michael Oliver (ENG). Mancini (m.57), Abraham (m.76), Ibáñez (m.89) received yellow cards for Roma; Andrich (m.50), Diaby (m.57), Tah (m.58) for Leverkusen.
Event: The match was the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals and took place at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, with the second leg to follow.