Leverkusen will travel to the first leg of the Europa League semi-final against Italy Roma. The Werkself have already secured the German championship title and are now aiming to win the Europa League trophy.
Game preview
Bayer Leverkusen remains unbeaten in 46 games in the 2023/24 season.
Xabi Alonso could also win the German Cup and lead Bayer to a treble. However, Daniele De Rossi and Roma will look to upset the Germans.
This year’s Europa League semi-final mirrors last season’s semi-final. In fact, Bayer Leverkusen met Roma in the semi-finals a year ago.
Roma secured a 1-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico before being held to a goalless draw at Leverkusen. However, both teams have undergone significant changes since then.
The Werkself continued to develop under Alonso, all the way to their first ever Bundesliga title.
Roma sacked Jose Mourinho earlier this season and appointed club legend De Rossi. Football was more engaging and less controversial. Can Roma eliminate Leverkusen again and reach the final?
The Leverkusen team may be running out of energy. They have drawn each of their last three games in all competitions.
Bayer’s 2-2 draw Stuttgart came deep into stoppage time in the second half. It was the second week in a row in which the Werkself saved a draw late on.
Since AC Milan’s elimination from the Europa League in the quarter-finals, Roma have failed to win two of their last three Serie A games. The Giallorossi drew 2-2 Naples on the weekend in Naples.
Roma have only lost three times at home this season. They scored 54 goals and conceded 21 at the Stadio Olimpico.
However, Roma will face a Bayer team that has won 17 games and drawn five away from home this season. Bayer scored 53 goals and only conceded 18 in their 22 away games.
Leverkusen have only managed one win against Roma in their seven encounters since 2004. However, Roma only won two of these games, four of which ended in a draw.
Prediction and Analysis:
Given Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak and Roma’s determination to avenge last season’s defeat, expect a closely fought game.
Leverkusen’s recent form suggests they have the quality to trouble Roma, but the hosts’ strong home record could tip the scales in their favour.
Our forecast assumes a hard-fought duel, with both teams sharing the victory with a 2-2 draw. This result would maintain Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak and set the stage for a thrilling showdown in the second leg.
- Rome – Bayer Leverkusen 2:2