Similar tactics, “same” result for a long time – and then lost: Bayer Leverkusen missed a good result in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals at AS Roma on Thursday (05/11/23). Rome won 1-0 (0-0) thanks to a better performance in the second half of the game. The shooter of the “goal of the day” was the 20-year-old Roman Edoardo Bove.
Back three, waiting for transition moments: Bayer coach Xabi Alonso and his teacher Jose Mourinho had a very similar match plan in mind for the clash in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Leverkusen, however, started more confidently – given the charisma of the Roman star coach: About a minute was only played when Robert Andrich was served perfectly in a central position from the left by Piero Hincapié – but put far too little pressure behind his shot. The man with the gigantic tattooed lion on his back – in this situation too much to cuddle.
Wirtz has to do it
And just six minutes later it had to be 1-0 for Leverkusen: After a dream dribbling and a great one-two with Bayer striker Adam Hlozek, Florian Wirtz had a clear view and shot on the hosts’ goal: the youngster wanted to do it too precisely and put it in the ball with the inside of your right foot to the left of the post. Two big chances – one big, one huge: Bayer lost the safe lead twice.
Rome got stronger in the middle of the first half, but without shining. It was a battle of attrition in midfield. Tough, but fair, and thanks to the good English referee Michael Oliver, with a reasonable flow of play. Oliver let a lot go, so far he has refrained from warnings, which (amongst others for Jonathan Tah) could have been issued. But there were no chances to score.
Hold on – see you at once! When Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini nibbled a free-kick into the box from left-field, Ibañez was completely free and headed in hard from six yards out. And who won in this situation? Leverkusen keeper Lukáš Hrádecký, who steered the ball around the right post with an incredible reflex with his right hand.
Roma more active after the break
Mourinho let his Roman company go much more offensive at the beginning of the second period. The Rhinelander’s defense, which was significantly strengthened by Alonso over the course of the season, did not allow Roman attacks to get through.
After an hour, Leverkusen seemed to be able to free themselves from the Roman grip. Moussa Diaby was determined on the right, but his flat pass in the 16 found no takers. In return, the hosts then showed how “Umschaltmoment” is played perfectly: With the help of the Leverkusen defense, a long ball from Gianluca Mancini reached Tammy Abraham, who shot from about eleven meters – and again Hrádecký excelled. But Bove took the rebound as an opportunity to shoot into the Bayer goal from the bottom left.
Little creativity, little surprise
Leverkusen didn’t get into the game. Up to a quarter of an hour before the end of the game, Bayer hadn’t been able to create a single goal chance after the great chances at the beginning. Difficult stand against the Roman defense, which defended with two tight chains around its own penalty area. But the lack of a long centre-forward – the gap created by the injured Patrik Schick is large – was noticeable in these situations. And – that was striking – there was almost no element of surprise, no “brilliant” idea.
The wake-up call from Bayer’s point of view came late: after a (finally) high ball, Ibañez and keeper Rui Patricio blocked each other. Jeremie Frimpong grabbed the ball and again had a clear path towards the goal, but aimed too centrally and hit Roma central defender Bryan Cristante – another big chance was missed (88′).
“The Romans were more dangerous in the second half. Up front it was a bit too little for my taste. 1-0 is not the best result. But it could have been worse. We felt we could beat them. We did anyway hope”, said Hrádecký on RTL. Matchwinner Bove said: “The win is deserved. We did a good job. It will be tough in the second leg in Leverkusen, anything can happen. We’re trying to win the game.”
Nothing is decided yet
0:1 – the defeat in Rome is painful and unfortunate, but nothing is decided. Thursday in a week (18.05.23) the “final” in this semi-final begins at 9 p.m.