Jose Mourinho’s Roma team demonstrated resilience and defensive prowess in advancing to the Europa League final with a goalless draw against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday, sealing a 1-0 aggregate victory. Despite creating few attacking opportunities, Roma’s tenacious defence frustrated the home side, which desperately sought an equaliser.
In a tense match that saw eight minutes of added time, Roma held firm and advanced to the final, where they will face Sevilla, the competition’s six-time winner. “Today there is great joy after reaching another Europa League final,” Mourinho said, expressing his joy. He praised his team, calling them “unbelievable” and recognising that they deserved something special.
Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini echoed Mourinho’s sentiments, emphasising the team’s unity. “There are many things that Roma can and must improve,” he said, “but as a true group, as a family, we have accomplished this small feat.”
Despite the defeat, Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso stated, “I’m not going to cry.” He expressed his admiration for the team’s efforts and encouraged them to keep their heads held high.
However, Leverkusen midfielder Kerem Demirbay called Mourinho’s defensive tactics “ugly.” He was disappointed that such a style of play was rewarded in a high-level semifinal, describing Roma’s approach as “very ugly at the end.”
Roma came into the game with a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg, thanks to a second-half goal by Rome-born midfielder Edoardo Bove. Mourinho stuck to his renowned defensive tactics throughout the Europa League campaign, with Roma conceding just three goals in eight knockout matches en route to the final.
Leverkusen made a strong start, with 20-year-old midfielder Florian Wirtz impressing. Wirtz worked well with forward Moussa Diaby, who came close to scoring with a strike that rattled the crossbar. The pair almost linked up again, but Diaby’s header went just wide.
Iran striker Sardar Azmoun was brought down on the edge of the box during a counter-attack late in the first half, but the referee waved away the home players’ protests.
Alonso, the manager of Leverkusen, introduced French winger Amine Adli, who almost equalised with a well-placed pass to Azmoun. Unfortunately for Leverkusen, the Iranian forward missed the target, dragging his shot wide.
The home fans’ frustration grew as the clock ticked down, exacerbated by Roma’s time-wasting tactics. This resulted in an extended period of extra time, much to the chagrin of Leverkusen.
Mourinho and his team celebrated as the final whistle blew, acknowledging the ecstatic travelling fans. The victory not only gives Roma a chance to win their first Europa League title but also a place in next year’s Champions League, as they currently sit six points behind fourth place in Serie A with three games remaining.
Despite the disappointment of being eliminated, Leverkusen’s immediate future looks bright. Alonso, who has successfully led the team from relegation concerns to a European semifinal since taking over late last year, has confirmed his commitment to the club for the coming season.
With the Europa League final scheduled for May 31 in Budapest, both Roma and Sevilla will be eager to claim the prestigious trophy and inscribe their names in European football history.
Main Image: CNA
The post Roma Celebrates as Mourinho’s Tactics Secure Europa League Final Spot appeared first on Entertainment SA - South African Entertainment News, Celebrity and Lifestyle Online Magazine & Entertainment.
Post a Comment