Bayer Leverkusen host Roma at BayArena in the second leg of their 2023-24 UEFA Europa League semi-final.
With a 2-0 aggregate lead from the first leg, Leverkusen know that anything other than defeat would send them through to a third final in all UEFA competitions.
Roma meanwhile must simply win by at least three goals or more to reach the final.
Team News
Bayer Leverkusen have no fresh injury concerns after their 5-1 Bundesliga win at 2022 Europa League winners – Eintracht Frankfurt.
Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah and Victor Boniface will be amongst the substitutes from that game looking for a recall to the starting line-up here.
Roma will welcome Zeki Celik back into contention after he was suspended for the first leg.
When is Kick-Off?
Bayer Leverkusen host Roma at BayArena on Thursday 9 May at 8pm BST, live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Bayer Leverkusen have won two of their last seven meetings against Roma across all UEFA competitions (W2, D3, L2).
- Roma are winless in three previous visits to Leverkusen (D2, L1).
- Both teams have scored in two of their three previous meetings in Leverkusen.
- All five of Leverkusen’s goals at home in the knockout stages have been scored after half-time.
- Roma have won just two of their last 10 away games in all UEFA competitions (W2, D4, L4).
Prediction
Currently holding a 2-0 lead from a clinical first leg where they were dominant after a slow start, Leverkusen have their fate in their own hands and I just can’t see them slipping up here given their unbeaten form but they could do with a first-half goal for the nerves.
Roma meanwhile simply must score first to give themselves any hope but given their inconsistent away form and winless streak at Leverkusen, this is a game where they must turn up and deliver from the off and hope that their hosts have an off day.
I however don’t see that happening given that Leverkusen rested many regulars at the weekend but Roma should still give them a proper test, although I can’t see Leverkusen even drawing this game such is their fearsome home fortress this season.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Roma
Result: Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 AS Roma (Bayer Leverkusen win 4-2 on aggregate)
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