Leverkusen secure late draw to set unbeaten record and reach Europa League final

Posted Friday, May 10, 2024 by PA

Bayer Leverkusen struck a stoppage-time equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw against Roma at the BayArena which extended their unbeaten run to a record 49 games as Xabi Alonso’s side secured a place in the Europa League final.

Roma had been trailing 2-0 from the first leg, but forced their way back into the tie against the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions when Leandro Paredes converted a penalty in each half.

However, an own goal from Roma defender Gianluca Mancini with eight minutes left edged Leverkusen back in front overall.

INCREDIBLE.#UEL pic.twitter.com/t5urrf0EIV
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 9, 2024

There was more late drama when substitute Stanisic cut into the penalty area to roll the ball into the far corner of the net, sparking wild celebrations from the home supporters as they secured a 4-2 aggregate win.

Roma had made a bright start, with Romelu Lukaku chasing a long ball into the penalty area, but Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar was out quickly to make a sliding block.

Leverkusen threatened when Exequiel Palacios’ shot was saved by Roma stopper Mile Svilar before Kovar was called into action again – at the other end – to deny Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Roma defender Mancini made a saving tackle as Adam Hlozek looked to stab the ball in from six yards.

Leverkusen secure late draw to set unbeaten record and reach Europa League final — Leandro Paredes pulled a goal back from the penalty spot just before half-time (Matthias Schrader/AP)

Palacios almost broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark, but his shot from the edge of the penalty area struck the base of the post before Svilar made another smart stop to palm away Jeremie Frimpong’s effort.

Svilar then made a fine double save from Amine Adli’s volley and the close-range follow-up from Hlozek.

Roma were awarded a penalty five minutes before half-time when Jonathan Tah pulled back Sardar Azmoun, who is on loan at the Serie A side from Leverkusen. Paredes confidently dispatched the spot-kick to cut the deficit.

Bryan Cristante crafted an early opening for Roma at the start of the second half, but his scuffed shot lacked any power to test Kovar.

Jonas Hofmann saw his effort saved by Svilar before Roma were awarded another penalty just after the hour mark following a VAR check.

Initially, Dutch referee Danny Makkelie had missed handball by Hlozek as a cross was flicked through a crowded Leverkusen penalty area, but after being advised to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, he pointed to the spot.

Paredes kept his cool to roll the ball into the bottom-left corner and haul Roma level on aggregate.

Leverkusen pulled a goal back with eight minutes left when Svilar – who had not put a glove wrong all night – flapped at a corner, with the ball dropping onto Mancini at the back post and then bouncing into the empty net.

Sláinte! 🇮🇪🏆
WE''RE GOING TO DUBLIN BABY! 🖤❤️#B04ASR | #Bayer04 #UEL #aCROSSeurope @EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/nT0G55aBNw
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 9, 2024

Svilar redeemed himself as he blocked Frimpong’s angled shot at the near post with his legs, before then denying the Leverkusen full-back again after a swift counter attack down the right.

In stoppage time, Patrik Schick sent a long-range effort floating just wide before Stanisic cut into the right side of the penalty area and calmly rolled the ball into the far corner to seal another dramatic comeback.

Leverkusen will head to Dublin for the final on May 22, where they will meet Italian side Atalanta, having surpassed the record a Eusebio-led Benfica side held for the longest unbeaten run since the start of European competition.