Sports Desk, May 10 (EFE).- Newly-crowned Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen struck two late goals to secure a 2-2 draw against Roma and book their place in the UEFA Europa League final with a 4-2 aggregate win on Thursday.
Gianluca Mancini of Roma reacts after scoring an own goal during the UEFA Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma in Leverkusen, Germany, 09 May 2024. EFE-EPA/RONALD WITTEK
In the final in Dublin on May 22, the German side, who have now stretched their unbeaten run to 49 matches in all competitions, will face Italian club Atalanta, who beat Olympique de Marseille 3-0 the same evening.
Leandro Paredes of Roma scores a penalty goal during the UEFA Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma in Leverkusen, Germany, 09 May 2024. EFE-EPA/RONALD WITTEK
Trailing 0-2 from the home leg, Roma started bravely and had two penalties converted by Leandro Paredes to thank for giving them a lifeline to script something that no side could do at Leverkusen this season.
Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman (C) scores the1-0 goal during the UEFA Europa League semi final second leg soccer match between Atalanta BC and Olympique Marseille in Bergamo, Italy, 09 May 2024. (Italia, Marsella) EFE/EPA/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA
But the hosts mounted pressure late into the contest and were rewarded by an own goal from Gianluca Mancini eight minutes from time that restored their advantage.
Atalanta’s El Bilal Toure (C) celebrates after scoring the 3-0 goal during the UEFA Europa League semi final second leg soccer match between Atalanta BC and Olympique Marseille in Bergamo, Italy, 09 May 2024. EFE-EPA/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA
The goal compelled Roma to go forward again to try to force the game into extra time, which created a further opportunity for Leverkusen to punish the Italian side again.
In seven minutes of added time, Josip Stanisic cut inside to fire home, protecting the unbeaten record of Leverkusen.
“We showed great character today after their second goal. I looked my players in the eye afterwards and saw that they wanted more,” said Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso.
“We still have the chance to win three titles. And my boys deserve all three titles.”
Roma coach Daniele De Rossi regretted the own goal they conceded in the second half.
“Leverkusen played well, but when you take it back and come close to a miracle knowing that no one won here, then you find yourself reopening the tie with an unlucky own goal… it hurts,” he said.
In Italy, goals from Ademola Lookman, Matteo Ruggeri, and Bilal Toure sealed a 4-1 aggregate win for Atalanta against Marseille, taking the side to their first-ever European final.
The Serie A side hit the woodwork twice through Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca before scoring the opener via a deflection in the first half.
Ruggeri smashed the second goal early in the second half, and substitute Toure completed the rout in injury time.
“The final will be a historic event, for teams like ours it’s truly incredible,” said Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
The sides drew 1-1 in France last week. Marseille are now without a win in nine matches against Italian clubs. EFE
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