Bayer Leverkusen played a 2-2 draw with Roma in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final, advancing to the final with an aggregate score of 4-2. Making a comeback on Thursday at AS Roma’s home ground, Leverkusen secured a draw of 2-2, winning with a total score of 4-2 to claim the record for the longest undefeated streak in European matches, including all competitions.
In the 82nd minute of the night, Leverkusen was trailing 2-0 when Roma’s defender Gianluca Mancini scored an own goal. Prior to this, Joseph Stanisic, making a late appearance, equalized for the visitors by converting two penalty goals taken by Leandro Paredes.
Bundesliga champions Leverkusen, who also reached the German Cup final earlier this month, played their 49th match without defeat to break Benfica’s record from 1963-65, yet they had to struggle in the second leg of the semi-final.
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Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz, who has notched 40 victories in his undefeated streak, will face Atalanta in the final in Dublin on May 22, when Italians defeated Olympique Marseille with ease.
This will be Leverkusen’s third European final, having won the UEFA Cup in 1988, their sole continental title, and losing in the 2002 Champions League to Real Madrid.
Leverkusen captain Granit Xhaka said, “We showed the mentality to come back like this against a big team and reach the final again. We are very happy today.”
“You could see the desire of the team; we didn’t want to slow down. We wanted to score the next goal to remain undefeated for the 49th time. We are proud of it.”
He told TNT Sports, “Roma is a team with a lot of experience, and they do things very well, but I think the better team has reached the final in the two legs.”
Tough Mission
Leverkusen entered the match a week ago with a 2-0 lead over Roma, courtesy of goals from Florian Wirtz and Robert Andrich. Italians knew they had a mountain to climb after losing the first leg, but they fought equally in the match, where Leverkusen gradually gained control.
Leverkusen’s Aleksandar Palacios launched an attack right before halftime, hitting the post midway, where the rebound collided with Roma goalkeeper Pau Lopez’s back, but Ivan Andika cleared the danger.
Then, Lopez made another brilliant save just before the break, denying Amin Adli and then stopping the rebound. Despite Leverkusen’s pressure, Roma took the lead just before halftime through Paredes’ penalty. After Adam Hlozek’s intervention, Paredes scored another goal from a spot-kick in the 66th minute.
With eight minutes remaining, Leverkusen’s corner confused the host defense, with Swilar involved until defender Mancini inadvertently put the ball into his own net at the far post.
Despite Leverkusen’s pressure, Standic secured Leverkusen’s place in the record books with a skilled move in the box in stoppage time, delighting the enthusiastic home fans and forcing Roma to struggle.
Roma boss Daniel De Rossi told Sky Sports Italia, “It was a heroic performance, but Leverkusen is indeed a strong team.” “I thought we performed well in both legs. We didn’t have enough shots on goal, and sometimes that can make a difference, but the players were incredible.
After an exciting match, Bayer Leverkusen defeated Roma to book their spot in the European League final and make history in the football world. Leverkusen secured a historic victory and created a new record for the continent with an amazing show of ability and perseverance. This enormous accomplishment is proof to the team’s steadfast dedication and skill on the field. The football world is excitedly awaiting what looks to be an epic battle of the titans as they prepare for the championship game.
