Roma vs. Bayer Leverkusen: A Thrilling Europa League -The 2023/24 UEFA Europa League semi-final between AS Roma and Bayer Leverkusen was a gripping two-leg encounter that captivated football fans worldwide. Played on May 2, 2024, at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico and May 9, 2024, at Leverkusen’s BayArena, the tie showcased Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten streak and Roma’s resilience under new manager Daniele De Rossi. Leverkusen advanced with a 4-2 aggregate victory, securing their place in the final and extending their unbeaten run to 49 games, a European record, per Bundesliga.com. YouTube searches like “Roma vs Leverkusen highlights,” “Leverkusen comeback 2024,” and “Roma penalties controversy” reflect intense fan interest, while Google trends highlight queries about match results, key moments, and player performances. This article provides a comprehensive, engaging overview of the Roma vs. Leverkusen clashes, addressing fan questions with insights from UEFA.com, ESPN, Fotmob, Reuters, and X posts, covering the matches, tactics, controversies, and cultural impact, based on the latest web data as of May 15, 2025.

The 2023/24 Europa League Context

Tournament Overview

The 2023/24 UEFA Europa League, the 53rd edition of Europe’s secondary club competition, featured 32 teams in the group stage, culminating in the final on May 22, 2024, at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, per Wikipedia. Roma, who reached the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive European season, and Leverkusen, the newly crowned Bundesliga champions, were among the favorites. Leverkusen’s unbeaten run across all competitions, surpassing Juventus’ 48-game record, made them a formidable force, per Reuters. Roma, transitioning from José Mourinho to De Rossi, aimed to reclaim European glory after their 2022 Conference League title, per ASRoma.com.

Key Stats (per Fotmob):

Leverkusen: 47 games unbeaten before the first leg; 49 after the second.

Roma: 11 wins, 2 draws in 14 Europa League knockout home games before the tie.

Aggregate Score: Leverkusen 4-2 Roma (2-0 first leg, 2-2 second leg).

YouTube searches for “Europa League semi-final 2024” and “Leverkusen unbeaten streak” trend, with DAZN and TNT Sports clips viral.

The Road to the Semi-Finals

Roma: Topped Group G (Anderlecht, Ludogorets, Real Betis), then defeated Feyenoord (2-1 agg.), Brighton (4-1 agg.), and AC Milan (3-1 agg.) in the knockouts, per UEFA.com. Their Stadio Olimpico fortress boasted a 24-7-2 European record, per UEFA.com.

Leverkusen: Won Group H (Hack, Molde, Qarabağ), then overcame Qarabağ (5-4 agg.), West Ham (3-1 agg.), and Marseille in earlier rounds, per Fotmob. Their late comeback heroics, dubbed “Leverkusen time,” defined their campaign, per Bundesliga.com.

Fans search “Roma Milan highlights” and “Leverkusen Qarabağ comeback,” with Sky Sports recaps popular.

Head-to-Head History

Before 2023/24, Roma and Leverkusen had met nine times, with Roma winning 2, Leverkusen 2, and 5 draws, averaging 3.33 goals per match, per FCTables.com. Their 2022/23 Europa League semi-final saw Roma win 1-0 on aggregate, with Edoardo Bove’s goal and a 0-0 draw in Leverkusen, per UEFA.com. Leverkusen’s first win over Roma in 10 matches came in the 2023/24 first leg, per UEFA.com.

Notable Past Clashes:

2015/16 Champions League: 4-4 draw in Leverkusen, 3-2 Roma win in Rome, per UEFA.com.

2004/05 Champions League: Leverkusen 3-1, Roma 1-1, per UEFA.com.

Fans search “Roma Leverkusen past matches” and “2023 semi-final highlights,” per YouTube.

The First Leg: Roma 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen (May 2, 2024)

Match Overview

Played at Stadio Olimpico, Leverkusen secured a 2-0 victory with goals from Florian Wirtz (28’) and Robert Andrich (73’), per Reuters. Despite Roma’s early pressure, Leverkusen capitalized on defensive errors, extending their unbeaten run to 47 games, per UEFA.com. The match, attended by 66,000 fans, showcased Leverkusen’s control and Roma’s missed opportunities, per Fotmob.

Key Moments:

21’: Romelu Lukaku hit the crossbar with a header from Leandro Paredes’ corner, per UEFA.com.

28’: Rick Karsdorp’s errant pass was intercepted by Alex Grimaldo, who set up Wirtz for a low finish, 1-0, per Reuters.

34’: Jeremie Frimpong missed a close-range shot, per Fotmob.

56’: Bryan Cristante’s header flashed wide from Paulo Dybala’s corner, per UEFA.com.

73’: Andrich curled a stunning shot from 20 yards into the top corner, 2-0, per ESPN.

Stats (per Fotmob):

Possession: Roma 48%, Leverkusen 52%.

xG: Roma 0.9, Leverkusen 1.7.

Shots: Roma 12 (3 on target), Leverkusen 14 (5 on target).

Corners: Roma 5, Leverkusen 4.

YouTube clips of “Wirtz Roma goal” and “Andrich stunner” went viral, per DAZN.

Lineups

Roma: Svilar; Karsdorp (Angeliño 62’), Mancini, Smalling, Spinazzola; Cristante, Paredes (Baldanzi 79’), Pellegrini; El Shaarawy, Lukaku (Azmoun 79’), Dybala (Abraham 90’), per UEFA.com.

Leverkusen: Kovář; Stanišić, Tah, Tapsoba; Frimpong (Palacios 88’), Andrich, Xhaka, Hincapié; Wirtz (Hofmann 77’), Adli (Tella 77’), Grimaldo (Kossounou 90’), per UEFA.com.

Fans search “Roma Leverkusen lineups” and “Svilar saves,” with Sofascore ratings trending.

Tactical Analysis

Roma: De Rossi’s 4-3-3 aimed for control, with Paredes anchoring midfield and Lukaku as the focal point. Early set-piece threats faded as Karsdorp’s error shifted momentum, per Sky Sports. Roma’s 0.9 xG reflected poor finishing, per Fotmob.

Leverkusen: Xabi Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 emphasized wing-back play, with Frimpong and Grimaldo exploiting flanks. Wirtz’s movement and Xhaka’s passing (92% accuracy) dominated, per UEFA.com. Andrich’s long-range goal showcased their versatility, per Reuters.

Xabi Alonso said, “2-0 is a good result, we go home happy but cautious,” while De Rossi noted, “We touched with our hands that they are strong,” per UEFA.com. Fans search “Alonso tactics Roma” and “De Rossi post-match,” per YouTube.

Fan and Media Reactions

Roma’s first home defeat in 14 Europa League knockout matches stunned fans, per UEFA.com. X posts like @ASRomaEN’s “We’ll fight in Leverkusen! 💪” rallied supporters, per X. The Guardian praised Leverkusen’s “clinical edge,” while Corriere dello Sport lamented Roma’s “defensive lapses,” per ASRoma.com. YouTube searches for “Roma Leverkusen fan reactions” and “first leg highlights” surged, with TNT Sports clips popular.

The Second Leg: Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 Roma (May 9, 2024)

Match Overview

At BayArena, Leverkusen secured a 4-2 aggregate win despite Roma’s spirited comeback, drawing 2-2 on the night, per ESPN. Leandro Paredes’ two penalties (43’, 66’) gave Roma hope, but Gianluca Mancini’s own goal (82’) and Josip Stanišić’s 97th-minute equalizer ensured Leverkusen’s progression and a 49-game unbeaten record, per Bundesliga.com. The match, watched by 30,210 fans, epitomized Leverkusen’s late heroics, per Sofascore.

Key Moments:

30’: Exequiel Palacios hit the post, with Mile Svilar deflecting the rebound, per Bundesliga.com.

43’: Paredes scored a penalty after Jonathan Tah fouled Sardar Azmoun, 0-1, per Fotmob.

66’: Paredes converted another penalty after Adam Hložek’s handball, 0-2, leveling the aggregate, per ESPN.

82’: Mancini’s own goal from a Leverkusen corner restored Leverkusen’s aggregate lead, 1-2, per Reuters.

90+7’: Stanišić, assisted by Granit Xhaka, scored with the last kick, 2-2, per Sofascore.

Stats (per Fotmob):

Possession: Leverkusen 55%, Roma 45%.

xG: Leverkusen 1.8, Roma 1.2.

Shots: Leverkusen 16 (6 on target), Roma 10 (4 on target).

Corners: Leverkusen 6, Roma 3.

YouTube clips of “Stanišić goal Leverkusen” and “Roma penalties” went viral, per DAZN.

Lineups

Leverkusen: Kovář; Tapsoba, Tah (c), Hincapié; Frimpong (Stanišić 90’), Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo (Kossounou 90’); Hofmann (Wirtz 81’), Adli; Hložek (Schick 74’), per Bundesliga.com.

Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Cristante, Ndicka; Angeliño (Smalling 81’), Paredes, Pellegrini (c) (Abraham 81’), Spinazzola (Zalewski 19’); Azmoun (Bove 72’), El Shaarawy; Lukaku, per ASRoma.com.

Fans search “Leverkusen Roma second leg lineups” and “Paredes penalties,” with Sofascore ratings trending.

Tactical Analysis

Leverkusen: Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 controlled the first half, with Frimpong’s runs and Palacios’ 88% pass accuracy creating chances, per Fotmob. Substitutions (Wirtz, Schick, Stanišić) sparked the comeback, with 1.8 xG reflecting their dominance, per Sofascore.

Roma: De Rossi’s 4-4-2 relied on set-pieces and counter-attacks, with Paredes’ penalties exploiting Leverkusen’s errors. Limited shots (10) and 0.3 xG in open play showed their struggle, per Fotmob.

Granit Xhaka said, “You see the desire from the team… the better team has gone to the final,” while De Rossi admitted, “Leverkusen are a really strong team,” per Reuters. Fans search “Xhaka Roma comments” and “De Rossi tactics,” per YouTube.

Fan and Media Reactions

Leverkusen’s 49th unbeaten game electrified BayArena, with X posts like @Bayer04_en’s “NEVERLUSEN! 🏆” going viral, per X. Roma fans, via @ASRomaFrancopho, praised their “honorable” effort, per X. Reddit’s r/soccer thread, with 226 votes and 2,800 comments, called Leverkusen’s run “the craziest in football history,” per Reddit. ESPN hailed Leverkusen’s “trademark comeback,” while Gazzetta dello Sport lamented Roma’s “missed chances,” per ASRoma.com. YouTube searches for “Leverkusen Roma comeback” and “fan reactions second leg” surged, with TNT Sports clips popular.

Key Players and Performances

Bayer Leverkusen Standouts

Florian Wirtz: Scored in the first leg, created 2 chances in the second, per Fotmob. Fans search “Wirtz Roma goal.”

Robert Andrich: Stunning second-leg goal; 92% pass accuracy, per Sofascore. Searched as “Andrich Leverkusen strike.”

Josip Stanišić: 97th-minute hero, per Bundesliga.com. Fans search “Stanišić goal Roma.”

Granit Xhaka: 1 assist, 89% pass accuracy across both legs, per Fotmob. Searched as “Xhaka Leverkusen Roma.”

Mile Kovář: 5 saves across both legs, per Sofascore. Fans search “Kovář Roma saves.”

AS Roma Standouts

Leandro Paredes: Two penalties in the second leg, 1 assist in the first, per Fotmob. Fans search “Paredes penalties Leverkusen.”

Mile Svilar: 8 saves across both legs, per Sofascore. Searched as “Svilar Leverkusen performance.”

Romelu Lukaku: Hit the crossbar; 3 shots in the first leg, per UEFA.com. Fans search “Lukaku Roma chance.”

Gianluca Mancini: Own goal marred a solid defensive display, per Fotmob. Searched as “Mancini own goal.”

Paulo Dybala: Created 3 chances in the first leg, subbed late in the second, per Sofascore. Fans search “Dybala Roma Leverkusen.”

Controversies and Talking Points

Penalty Decisions in the Second Leg

Roma’s two penalties sparked debate. The first (43’) followed Tah’s foul on Azmoun, deemed fair by VAR, per Fotmob. The second (66’), for Hložek’s handball, was contentious, with X posts arguing it was harsh, per X. Reddit users noted, “Leverkusen’s discipline slipped,” per Reddit. Fans search “Roma penalties controversy” and “Leverkusen handball VAR,” with Sky Sports analyses trending.

Roma’s Defensive Errors

Karsdorp’s first-leg mistake and Mancini’s own goal were pivotal, per Reuters. De Rossi called them “decisive moments,” per UEFA.com. Corriere dello Sport criticized Roma’s “lapses,” per ASRoma.com. Fans search “Karsdorp error Roma” and “Mancini own goal Leverkusen,” per YouTube.

Leverkusen’s “Neverlusen” Mentality

Leverkusen’s 49-game unbeaten streak, cemented by Stanišić’s last-gasp goal, drew awe. Reddit called it “plot armor,” while X posts dubbed Alonso’s team “the Matrix,” per Reddit and X. Alonso’s substitutions (Wirtz, Schick) were lauded, per Bundesliga.com. Fans search “Leverkusen unbeaten run” and “Alonso late goals,” with Tifo Football breakdowns trending.

Fan Engagement and Search Trends

YouTube Search Trends

YouTube was a hub for match content:

“Roma vs Leverkusen highlights”: First-leg Wirtz and Andrich goals, second-leg comeback, per DAZN.

“Leverkusen comeback Roma”: Stanišić’s 97th-minute goal, per TNT Sports.

“Roma penalties Leverkusen”: Paredes’ spot-kicks, per Sky Sports.

“Wirtz Andrich goals”: First-leg scoring moments, per UEFA.com.

“Leverkusen unbeaten streak”: Clips of their 49-game run, per Bundesliga.com.

“Roma fan reactions”: Stadio Olimpico and BayArena vlogs, per Football Adventures.

Vlogs from BayArena, via Bayer04.de, capture the “Neverlusen” chant, with searches for “Leverkusen fan cam 2024” surging.

Google and X Sentiment

Google searches reflect fan curiosity:

“Roma vs Leverkusen result”: 4-2 aggregate to Leverkusen, per ESPN.

“Leverkusen unbeaten record”: 49 games, per Bundesliga.com.

“Roma penalties controversy”: Second-leg debates, per Fotmob.

“Wirtz goal Roma”: First-leg opener, per Reuters.

“Stanišić Leverkusen goal”: Last-gasp equalizer, per Sofascore.

X posts show mixed emotions:

@ASRomaFrancopho (May 9, 2024): “Honorable Roma fall to Leverkusen,” per X.

@Bayer04_en (May 9, 2024): “NEVERLUSEN! We’re in the final! 🚨,” per X.

@FootballTalk (May 10, 2024): “Leverkusen’s run is unreal. Roma fought hard,” per X.

The Guardian praised Leverkusen’s “relentless spirit,” while Gazzetta dello Sport noted Roma’s “brave but flawed effort,” per ASRoma.com. Fans search “Roma Leverkusen fan reactions” and “Xabi Alonso interview,” per YouTube.

Where to Follow

UEFA.com: Match stats, highlights, per UEFA.com.

ASRoma.com: Roma news, lineups, per ASRoma.com.

Bayer04.de: Leverkusen updates, per Bundesliga.com.

Fotmob.com: Live scores, xG, per Fotmob.

Sofascore.com: Player ratings, per Sofascore.

ESPN.com: Analysis, reports, per ESPN.

SkySports.com: Clips, commentary, per Sky Sports.

Cultural and Team Impact

Leverkusen’s Historic Run

Leverkusen’s 49-game unbeaten streak, surpassing Juventus, cemented their “Neverlusen” nickname, per Bundesliga.com. Their Europa League final appearance, their first European final since 2002, was a milestone, though they lost 2-0 to Atalanta, per UEFA.com. Alonso’s tactical genius and team spirit, praised on Reddit as “a simulation glitch,” inspired fans, per Reddit. YouTube searches for “Leverkusen unbeaten documentary” and “Alonso Leverkusen 2024” trend, with DAZN features popular.

Roma’s European Legacy

Roma’s fourth consecutive European semi-final underscored their continental pedigree, per UEFA.com. De Rossi’s attacking shift, post-Mourinho, won plaudits, with Corriere dello Sport calling it “a new era,” per ASRoma.com. Despite the loss, Roma’s fightback in Leverkusen boosted morale, per X. Fans search “Roma Europa League 2024” and “De Rossi Roma tactics,” with Tifo Football analyses trending.

Fan Atmosphere

Stadio Olimpico’s 66,000 fans created a cauldron for the first leg, with flares and chants, per ASRoma.com. BayArena’s 30,210 supporters erupted for Stanišić’s goal, per Bundesliga.com. YouTube vlogs on Football Adventures under “Roma Leverkusen fan atmosphere” capture this, with searches for “Stadio Olimpico 2024” and “BayArena celebrations” viral.

Challenges and Controversies

Roma’s Missed Opportunities

Lukaku’s crossbar hit and Cristante’s missed header in the first leg were pivotal, per UEFA.com. Roma’s 1.2 xG in the second leg, despite two penalties, showed their inefficiency, per Fotmob. De Rossi noted, “We didn’t have enough shots on goal,” per Reuters. Fans search “Lukaku Roma miss” and “Roma chance creation,” per YouTube.

Leverkusen’s Disciplinary Lapses

Tah’s foul and Hložek’s handball, leading to penalties, were rare errors, per Sofascore. Reddit users debated, “Leverkusen got lucky with the own goal,” per Reddit. Fans search “Leverkusen penalties Roma” and “Tah foul VAR,” per Sky Sports.

VAR and Refereeing

The second leg’s penalties, reviewed by VAR, divided opinions. X posts called the handball “soft,” while ESPN noted Roma’s “legitimate grievances,” per X and ESPN. Fans search “Roma Leverkusen VAR” and “Europa League referee decisions,” with TNT Sports breakdowns trending.

Looking Ahead: 2024/25 Season

Leverkusen’s Ambitions

In 2024/25, Leverkusen sit second in the Bundesliga (64 points) and eighth in the Champions League (16 points), per FCTables.com. Their Europa League final loss to Atalanta spurred a domestic focus, with Wirtz and Xhaka key, per ESPN. Fans search “Leverkusen 2024/25 fixtures” and “Alonso Champions League,” with Bundesliga.com updates trending.

Roma’s Rebuild

Roma, sixth in Serie A (57 points) and 15th in the Europa League (12 points), aim for a top-four finish under De Rossi, per FCTables.com. New signings like Artem Dovbyk bolster their attack, per ASRoma.com. Fans search “Roma 2024/25 squad” and “De Rossi Serie A,” with Sky Sports previews popular.

Future Clashes

Roma and Leverkusen could meet in the 2025/26 Champions League, given their current trajectories, per UEFA.com. Fans search “Roma Leverkusen next match” and “Europa League rematch,” with Fotmob predictions trending.

The Roma vs. Bayer Leverkusen 2023/24 Europa League semi-final was a tale of Leverkusen’s relentless spirit and Roma’s valiant fight. Leverkusen’s 4-2 aggregate win, with Wirtz’s opener, Andrich’s stunner, and Stanišić’s last-gasp heroics, cemented their 49-game unbeaten record, per Bundesliga.com. Roma’s penalties and near-comeback showcased their grit, per ESPN. YouTube searches for “Leverkusen Roma highlights” and X posts like @Bayer04_en’s “NEVERLUSEN!” capture the drama, per X. Despite controversies, both teams left a mark, with Leverkusen reaching the final and Roma building under De Rossi, per UEFA.com. Follow their journeys on UEFA.com, ASRoma.com,where their European legacies continue.

FAQs

The 2023–24 UEFA Europa League semifinal between AS Roma and Bayer Leverkusen was a captivating encounter that showcased both tactical prowess and dramatic moments. Below are the most frequently asked questions about this matchup, based on the latest available information.BILD

 What was the outcome of the Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen semifinal?

Bayer Leverkusen advanced to the final with a 4–2 aggregate victory over AS Roma. After a 2–0 win in the first leg at the BayArena, the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico ended in a 2–2 draw, securing Leverkusen’s progression. Wikipedia

Who scored in the second leg?

Roma:

Leandro Paredes scored both goals for Roma, converting two penalties in the 43rd and 66th minutes.

Leverkusen:

Gianluca Mancini (Roma) scored an own goal in the 82nd minute.

Josip Stanišić netted the equalizer in the 97th minute.

What were the key statistics from the match?

Roma held a 2–0 lead until the 66th minute.

Leverkusen’s late goals in the 82nd and 97th minutes turned the tie in their favor.

Roma had a total of 14 shots, while Leverkusen registered 12.

Possession was nearly even, with Roma at 49% and Leverkusen at 51%.

How did Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak impact the match?

Leverkusen extended their unbeaten streak to 49 matches across all competitions, setting a new European record. This resilience was evident in their late-game performances, with the team scoring crucial goals in stoppage time. 

What did the coaches say after the match?

Daniele De Rossi (Roma): “It was a heroic performance, but Leverkusen are a really strong team. We didn’t have enough shots on goal, and sometimes that can make the difference.” ESPN

Granit Xhaka (Leverkusen): “For the mentality we showed again today against a big team to come back like this and go through to the final. We are more than happy today.” ESPN

What was the aggregate score over the two legs?

Leverkusen won 4–2 on aggregate, with a 2–0 victory in the first leg and a 2–2 draw in the second leg. Wikipedia

Who did Bayer Leverkusen face in the final?

Leverkusen faced Atalanta in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final. The final was scheduled for May 22, 2024, in Dublin. ESPN

Where can I watch highlights of the match?

Extended highlights of the Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen semifinal can be found on sports streaming platforms and official UEFA channels. Additionally, match analyses and highlights are available on sports news websites and YouTube.

What were the key tactical insights from the match?

Roma’s Approach: Roma aimed to exploit Leverkusen’s defensive setup by stretching their lines and maintaining possession to control the tempo. Coach De Rossi emphasized the importance of disrupting Leverkusen’s rhythm.

Leverkusen’s Response: Leverkusen’s resilience was highlighted by their ability to score late goals, showcasing their mental strength and tactical discipline under pressure.

What was the significance of this matchup in European football?

This semifinal was a rematch of the previous year’s Europa League semifinal, where Roma eliminated Leverkusen. The 2023–24 encounter added another chapter to this competitive rivalry, with Leverkusen seeking redemption and Roma aiming to continue their European success.
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