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Jose Mourinho delivered a tactical masterclass as Roma booked their spot in this season’s Europa League final.
AS Roma reached back-to-back European finals after pulling off a solid defensive performance in the second-leg of their Europa semi-final clash against Bayer Leverkusen at BayArena.
Roma came into the clash with a slender advantage after winning the first leg 1-0. But despite Leverkusen’s total dominance in the second leg, Mourinho’s men held on for a place in the final.
How it happened
As expected, Bayer Leverkusen started on the front foot, piling early pressure on Roma’s defence.
Xabi Alonso’s men showed their intent right from the start, with Roma happy to sit back and defend.
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The home side's first attempt at goal came from the boots of Kerem Demirbay, but the German footballer of Turkish origin saw his effort saved by Rui Patricio in Roma’s goal.
Leverkusen continued to dominate possession and once again went close through Demirbay, but the 29-year-old could not beat Patricio.
The home side would come close again through Sadar Azmoun, but the Iranian’s tame effort was once again saved by Patricio.
Moments later, it was Demirbay’s turn to test Patricio again but the result was more of the same. Leverkusen dominated the opening half, firing 12 shots, including four on target. But despite offering little in attack, Roma were the happier of the two sides going into the break.
Roma keep Bayer Leverkusen at bay
The second half started the same way the first ended, with Bayer Leverkusen dominating possession.
Alonso’s men played most of the game in Roma’s half, but Mourinho’s men were resilient in defence.
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The Yellow and Reds had a game plan and stuck with it. Leverkusen did make efforts to level the score on aggregate and had a couple of chances.
Alonso’s men fired six shots in the second half but only two were on target. The closest they did get was through Demirbay, whose shot once again was wonderfully tipped away for a corner kick.
Leverkusen would go close again through Azmoun, but the Iranian’s effort was just wide off the post.
It would turn out to be the last chance for Leverkusen as Roma held on for the win despite late pressure from Leverkusen.
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