Bayer Leverkusen are aiming for retribution this Thursday as they embark on their second Europa League semi-final clash against Roma in as many years, following yet another narrow escape that preserved their extraordinary unbeaten streak. Xabi Alonso's coaching staff at Leverkusen were captured jubilating over Roma's advancement past AC Milan in the previous round, fueling their desire to erase the memories of being 'Mourinhoed' in last season's semi-finals. Leverkusen's remarkable 46-match undefeated run and clinching of their first-ever Bundesliga title last term have made them the frontrunners to advance to the final in Dublin.
And the squad that ended Bayern Munich's reign over German football is eager to settle the score for their 1-0 aggregate defeat to Roma in the previous season, which resulted in Roma's heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Sevilla in the final.
"We are driven by a thirst for vengeance and a strong determination to triumph and secure our place in the final," stated Leverkusen CEO Fernando Corro in an interview with Radio Marca.
"We are willing to do whatever it takes to reach the final."
Leverkusen has demonstrated a knack for scoring crucial goals in stoppage time this season across all competitions, with their most recent coming in the 96th minute during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Stuttgart. This penchant for late drama has propelled them to the Europa League semi-finals, with former Roma player Patrik Schick netting three times in added time during their 5-4 victory over Qarabag in the last-16, and two additional late goals securing their passage past West Ham in the quarter-finals.
Coach Alonso described his team's ability to stage comebacks in the dying minutes as "difficult to explain" after Robert Andrich salvaged a draw against Stuttgart, expressing his hope that this trend continues throughout the remainder of the campaign.
"Our primary objective was to become champions, but now we refuse to settle," added Alonso in an interview with Sky.
"The objective is crystal clear. We aim to remain undefeated until the end of the season."
'Unbeaten, not invincible'
Roma salvaged a late draw of their own against Napoli on Sunday courtesy of a late goal from Tammy Abraham, marking the England international striker's first goal in a year following a lengthy layoff due to a knee injury.
While Leverkusen can focus on their European campaign, Daniele De Rossi's Roma has endured a frantic few weeks as they strive to capitalize on Serie A securing an additional spot in next season's Champions League, and aim for their third continental final in as many years.
Roma undoubtedly faces fatigue after navigating through a derby against Milan to reach the semi-finals, preceded by the Rome derby and followed by encounters with direct top-five rivals Bologna and Napoli, along with their victory against Udinese which required two matches due to Evan Ndicka's on-field collapse.
Their upcoming league fixtures against Juventus and Atalanta, both trailing Roma by two points, make the next fortnight crucial for De Rossi's side, as he has revitalized his childhood club since taking over from Jose Mourinho in January.
"I have players who are fighting to salvage something from this season," remarked De Rossi to DAZN after the Napoli match.
"We understand it's going to be tough... we must secure the results necessary to qualify for the Champions League or win the Europa League."
De Rossi will be boosted by the return of Romelu Lukaku alongside Paulo Dybala, with Lukaku overcoming a thigh injury. Additionally, Chris Smalling, who missed the Napoli clash due to a groin injury, and midfield linchpin Leandro Paredes, suspended for the hard-fought draw over the weekend, will also be available.
"We must be flawless, because if they are unbeatable and possess the determination to score crucial goals in the final moments so frequently, it indicates they possess something extraordinary," remarked De Rossi.
