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Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview
In the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final, Italian side Roma will take on German team Bayer Leverkusen. The match is set to be held on Thursday, May 2nd, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
The tournament journey of the Roman club to the semi-finals hasn't been straightforward. In the round of 32, they faced two tough matches against Dutch side Feyenoord, who had dropped down from the UEFA Champions League (1-1, 2-1). Then Roma progressed past English team Brighton (4-0, 0-1), followed by a real battle against AC Milan in the quarter-finals. Despite being considered underdogs in that tie, the capital club emerged victorious in both legs – 1-0 and 2-1.
Bayer Leverkusen confidently topped their group and entered the knockout stage from the round of 16, where they faced tough resistance from Azerbaijani side Qarabag (2-2, 3-2). In the quarter-finals, Xabi Alonso's team eliminated English club West Ham United (2-0, 1-1).
The newly crowned German champions are the favorites in this tie (odds of around 1.20-1.30 for Bayer to reach the final) and for the entire tournament. Bookmakers offer odds of around 1.75-1.85 on Bayer Leverkusen lifting the trophy.
As for the upcoming match, the preference is also given to the Germans. Based on the Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen odds, betting on an away win is available at odds of 2.05-2.15. The chances of success for Roma are evaluated at odds around 3.60-3.75, while a draw is priced at odds around 3.55-3.70.
Let's assess the current form of the opponents before the first leg and choose the most reliable Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen tips.
Roma Preview
The Roman club approaches the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final with just one defeat in their last eight matches in all competitions (5 wins, 2 draws). The only team to defeat Roma during this period was Bologna (1-3). The capital club still maintains their tournament motivation in the latter stages of the season, as they have not yet secured a place in the top five, which would guarantee Champions League football for the next year.
Last season, Roma reached the final of the UEFA Europa League but lost in a penalty shootout to Spanish side Sevilla. It's evident that the Romans are eager to achieve their goal this time around, so their motivation is unquestionable.
In favor of the Italian club is the fact that Roma have no injury concerns, and they will field their optimal lineup against Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen Preview
The Leverkusen club is the standout team in European football this season. Xabi Alonso's team clinched the Bundesliga title prematurely and is on an incredible unbeaten streak – Bayer has not lost a single game in the 2023/24 season. Many thought that after securing the league title, Leverkusen might relax a bit in the domestic league, but they continue to perform at their best and accumulate points. However, when the pressure of Bundesliga results is off, they may channel all their efforts into winning cup trophies – the UEFA Europa League and the DFB Pokal.
Borja Iglesias and Adam Hlozek are likely to miss the upcoming match in Rome, but the decision on their participation will be made shortly before the start of the game.
Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen Betting Tips
Interestingly, the teams met at this stage of the UEFA Europa League last season. Back then, they managed to score only one goal between them over 180 minutes of play: a precise strike by Edoardo Bove in the first leg ultimately sent Roma to the final.
We believe that the upcoming matches will be completely different from last year's encounters. With the departure of Jose Mourinho, Roma have become much more attacking, while Bayer has long accustomed the audience to their high-scoring style. Most likely, on Thursday, we will witness at least three goals, and that's the option we recommend as the Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction. Our tip for this game is Over 2.5 goals at odds of 2.05.
