Alonso reveals Leverkusen chances of reaching Europa League final

Bayern Leverkusen continued their good form this season by recording a 2-0 away win against Roma in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.

Xabi Alonso’s team have been unbeaten in all competition this season and emerged with a 2-0 result from the Stadio Olimpico thanks to goals from Florian Wirtz – who pounced on a Rick Karsdorp howler – and Robert Andrich from distance.

Despite their dominance in the first leg and advantage heading towards the second leg,
Alonso warns that Bayer Leverkusen still have a lot of work to be done.

“We fought hard with strength and discipline, but there is a lot of work still to be done,” said Xabi Alonso in his press conference.

Alonso surprised many by using a False 9 system with Amine Adli upfront, leaving both Patrik Schick and top scorer Victor Boniface on the bench.

It was the same approach they had also taken in other big games against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, so was a show of respect towards Roma.

“We played well on the counter-attack, and although we perhaps didn’t make the most of all the chances we had to score a third goal, we are still satisfied. I hope that we can celebrate along with our fans in the second leg.”

There was a curious moment during the week when Andrich revealed his wife had told him she had a bad feeling about this trip to Rome, but he ended up finding the net.

“That means there’s always a second chance, he will have good memories of this evening,” smiled Xabi Alonso.

Bayern Leverkusen have already won the Bundesliga with over a month to spare, are on track to win the German Cup and are 90 minutes away from reaching the Europa League Final.