ROME - On Thursday night, A.S Roma secured their place in the Europa League final by securing a draw against Bayer Leverkusen. On the first leg of the semi-final they secure a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. 

 On the second leg, Roma faced more pressure, playing in Germany, as well as playing defensively to avoid the possibility of a Bayer comeback. Rome conceded few chances and built even fewer.

 Roma started well, with Pellegrini's right-footed shot from the edge of the box just wide. As was to be expected, however, it was Bayer who dictated the rhythm of the match, spurred on by their fans. 

 The Germans were dangerous on a couple of occasions with Diaby and then Demirbay, but the Giallorossi defence was alert. 

 Mourinho's heroic team defended with all their might from the German side's onslaught and after eight interminable minutes of added time they could celebrate their second consecutive European final. 

 The 2022/23 UEFA Europa League season will conclude with Sevilla taking on Roma at Budapest's Puskás Aréna on 31 May 2023. Kick-off is at 21:00 CET.

 eb