Summary
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Formations
Roma control their Europa League destiny ahead of next week’s return leg in Germany.Â
The Giallorossi earned a 1-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen this evening in the Italian capital, putting them less than 90 minutes away from advancing to the final in Budapest later this month.
A goal midway through the second half from midfielder Edoardo Bove broke the deadlock and earned Jose Mourinho’s a vital victory despite being shorthanded due to injuries.
The goal came after a scoreless first half in which goalscoring chances were at a premium. Xabi Alonso’s men were initially on the front foot and created some interesting attacking actions early on.Â
Roma eventually grew into the game and nearly found a goal through a header from Roger Ibanez but the Brazilian was denied.Â
The action picked up dramatically after the break and the hosts were eventually rewarded.
Bove scored with a pinpoint shot after Lukas Hradecky’s save from a Tammy Abraham shot fell into his path. Without hesitation, Bove calmly fired the ball past the Finnish international to give the Giallorossi a 1-0 lead.
The visitors nearly leveled the tie just fifteen minutes but Roma were saved by an incredible goal line clearance from Bryan Cristante off a Jeremie Frimpong attempt.
The Italian international, who was forced to feature as a central defender due to the team’s bevy of injuries, made a miraculous stop after Rui Patricio and Roger Ibanez collided in the area, leaving their goal wide open.
