The encounters between AS Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen in recent European competitions have been nothing short of captivating, etching a compelling narrative of tactical battles, dramatic twists, and displays of unwavering resilience. While their paths may cross again in the future, their most recent high-stakes showdown in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League during the 2023-2024 season provided a masterclass in European football drama. This article delves into the details of that compelling two-legged affair, exploring the tactical nuances, key moments, and the overarching storylines that gripped fans worldwide, while also addressing what the online football community was keen to know.
The Road to the Semi-Finals: Contrasting Journeys
AS Roma, under the guidance of Daniele De Rossi (who took over mid-season), showcased their tactical flexibility and fighting spirit. They navigated the knockout stages with hard-fought victories, demonstrating their ability to grind out results even when facing tough opposition. Their journey was marked by a blend of defensive solidity, tactical discipline, and moments of individual brilliance in attack, often relying on the experience of seasoned players and the passion of their fervent supporters.
Their Bundesliga triumph was historic, achieved with an unprecedented unbeaten run that extended into their European campaign. Leverkusen’s journey to the semi-finals was characterized by dominant performances, a fluid and dynamic attacking style, and a remarkable knack for scoring late goals, earning them the moniker “Neverkusen” for their tendency to snatch results in the dying moments. Their tactical approach, built on possession-based football, high pressing, and intricate attacking patterns, had made them one of the most feared teams in Europe.
The First Leg: Tactical Masterclass in Rome
The first leg, held at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on May 2, 2024, was a highly anticipated clash between two teams with distinct styles and ambitions. Leverkusen, carrying their formidable unbeaten streak, aimed to establish an advantage away from home, while Roma looked to leverage their home support and tactical nous to gain the upper hand.
The match unfolded as a fascinating tactical battle. Roma, known for their defensive organization under De Rossi, aimed to stifle Leverkusen’s free-flowing attack. They pressed diligently in midfield and looked to exploit any turnovers with quick transitions. However, Leverkusen’s intricate passing and positional awareness proved difficult to contain.
Leverkusen drew first blood in the 28th minute through Florian Wirtz. A well-worked counter-attacking move saw Alex Grimaldo capitalize on a Roma defensive error, laying the ball off for Wirtz, who calmly slotted it past the Roma goalkeeper. This goal AS Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen was a testament to Leverkusen’s ability to punish mistakes and their clinical edge in attack.
Roma tried to respond, with Romelu Lukaku hitting the crossbar with a header, but Leverkusen’s defense remained resolute. In the 73rd minute, Leverkusen doubled their advantage with a stunning long-range strike from Robert Andrich. The midfielder unleashed a powerful shot that left the Roma goalkeeper with no chance, giving Leverkusen a commanding 2-0 lead heading into the second leg.
The first leg highlighted Leverkusen’s tactical superiority and their ability to control the game even in a hostile away environment. Roma, while showing glimpses of their attacking threat, struggled to break down Leverkusen’s well-organized defense and contain their dynamic midfielders.
The Second Leg: Drama and Resilience in Leverkusen
The return leg at the BayArena in Leverkusen on May 9, 2024, AS Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen was set up for a potentially dramatic encounter.
Roma came out with renewed determination and a clear tactical plan. They pressed Leverkusen higher up the pitch and showed more aggression in their attacking play. Their efforts paid off just before halftime when Leandro Paredes converted a penalty in the 43rd minute after Jonathan Tah was adjudged to have fouled Sardar Azmoun.2 This goal gave Roma crucial momentum and reduced Leverkusen’s aggregate lead to 2-1.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 66th minute when they were awarded another penalty after a VAR review deemed that a Leverkusen player had handled the ball in the box. Leandro Paredes stepped up again and calmly slotted home his second penalty of the night, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2.
At this point, the tie was finely balanced, and the prospect of Leverkusen’s remarkable unbeaten run coming to an end loomed large. However, AS Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen as they had done so many times throughout the season, Leverkusen showed incredible resilience and a refusal to be beaten.
In the 83rd minute, Leverkusen pulled a goal back in somewhat fortuitous circumstances. An own goal by Gianluca Mancini following an Álex Grimaldo corner restored Leverkusen’s lead in the tie, making it 3-2 on aggregate.
Despite the setback, Roma continued to fight, knowing that one more goal would send the game to extra time. However, Leverkusen’s late-game heroics were not yet over. In the seventh minute of added time (90+7′), substitute Josip Stanišić scored a dramatic equalizer for Leverkusen, securing a 2-2 draw on the night and a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Stanišić’s late goal not only sealed Leverkusen’s place in the Europa League final but also extended their remarkable unbeaten run, setting a new European record for the longest unbeaten streak in competitive matches.
Final Thoughts
It was a tie filled with tactical intrigue, individual brilliance, dramatic twists, and ultimately, the remarkable resilience of Bayer Leverkusen. While Roma fought valiantly, Leverkusen’s unwavering spirit and tactical prowess saw them through to the final, further solidifying their status as one of the most compelling stories in European football at the time. The memories of Paredes’ penalties, Mancini’s own goal, and Stanišić’s late heroics will undoubtedly linger in the minds of fans who witnessed this enthralling saga. As both clubs continue their journeys, the possibility of future encounters in European competitions will surely be met with anticipation, given the compelling narrative that has unfolded in their recent meetings.
FAQs
How did Bayer Leverkusen maintain their unbeaten run against Roma?
Leverkusen’s resilience and never-say-die attitude were crucial. Despite going 2-0 down on aggregate in the second leg, they managed to score two late goals – an own goal and a stoppage-time equalizer – to secure their place in the final and extend their unbeaten streak.
Who were the key players in the tie?
For Roma, Leandro Paredes’ two penalties were crucial in their comeback attempt in the second leg. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar also made several important saves across both matches. For Leverkusen, Florian Wirtz and Robert Andrich scored vital goals in the first leg, while Álex Grimaldo’s set-piece delivery led to the crucial own goal in the second leg, and Josip Stanišić’s late equalizer sealed the victory.
What was the reaction to Leverkusen’s late goals?
The late goals scored by Leverkusen in the second leg sparked widespread excitement and admiration online. Fans and pundits marveled at their incredible resilience and their ability to consistently snatch results in the dying moments of matches. The term “Neverkusen” gained even more traction.
To read more, Click Here
