Europe beckons for in-form Leverkusen
Xabi Alonso's men one step from final after Roma win
Bayer Leverkusen are on the brink of a first European final since 1988 after a 2-0 victory at Roma in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final. Goals from Moussa Diaby and Florian Wirtz gave Leverkusen a deserved victory at the Stadio Olimpico, and the Bundesliga leaders will now be heavy favourites to progress to the final in Seville on May 18.
It was a dominant display from Leverkusen, who controlled the game from start to finish and could have won by more. Diaby opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a fine solo goal, and Wirtz doubled the lead just after the hour mark with a clinical finish. Roma barely threatened the Leverkusen goal, and the German side will now be confident of finishing the job at home in the second leg on May 11.
Leverkusen's victory was all the more impressive considering they were without their suspended captain and star striker, Patrik Schick. But Alonso's side showed their strength in depth, and they will now be hoping to add the Europa League trophy to their Bundesliga title.
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