Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable unbeaten streak continued in dramatic fashion as they secured a 2-2 draw against Roma in the Europa League semifinals, advancing to the final with a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Despite trailing 2-0 on the night and 2-2 on aggregate after two Leandro Paredes penalties, Leverkusen refused to give up. An own goal by Roma defender Gianluca Mancini in the 82nd minute gave them hope, and substitute Josip Stanišić’s equalizer in the seventh minute of stoppage time sealed their place in the final.
Leverkusen’s unbeaten run now stands at 49 matches, an incredible feat for Xabi Alonso’s team. They have already won the Bundesliga title and reached the German Cup final, making them contenders for a historic treble.
Roma, who were without injured star Paulo Dybala, had taken the lead through Paredes’ first penalty in the 45th minute. Paredes converted another spot-kick in the 66th minute, putting Roma on the verge of a comeback.
However, Leverkusen’s resilience shone through as they fought back to preserve their unbeaten record and reach the Europa League final for the first time since 1988. They will face another Italian team, Atalanta, who defeated Marseille 3-0 to advance 4-1 on aggregate.
Atalanta’s victory marked their first European final appearance, while Olympiakos also made history by becoming only the second Greek team to reach a major European competition final. They will face Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final in Athens on May 29.
