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Xabi Alonso, head coach of the Spanish club Bayer Leverkusen, celebrates with his players after their May 9 match against ASC Roma in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. Source: AFP
Xabi Alonso, head coach of the Spanish club Bayer Leverkusen, celebrates with his players after their May 9 match against ASC Roma in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. Source: AFP
After advancing to the Europa League final with a win over AS Roma on Thursday, Bayer Leverkusen's Spanish coach Xabi Alonso stated that his team is deserving of all three titles that are available to them this season.
Atalanta advanced to the final after a 4-1 aggregate victory over Marseille in the second semi-final match at the Gewiss Stadium, thanks to a goal from Ademola Lookman. By the half-hour, the winger—a former Everton and Fulham player—had scored.
As of their 49th match without a loss across all competitions, Leverkusen have broken Benfica's long-standing European record, which they held from 1963 to 1965. The champions of the Bundesliga and finalists in the German Cup will be played on May 25.
They reached the landmark after a furious rally from behind to tie Roma 2-2 at home, advancing them to the May 22 final in Dublin by a 4-2 aggregate score.
According to Alonso, "two finals in a week as a result" will be had. We responded admirably to their second goal with outstanding character today. Upon reflection, I could tell my players wanted more when I looked them in the eyes after the game.
We are not out of the hunt for a triple crown just yet. Every one of those honours should go to my lads.
In the 82nd minute, Leverkusen were fortunate because Roma defender Gianluca Mancini sent the ball flying into his own net.
Then, with the final whistle blown, Leverkusen were sent into the record books thanks to a goal by substitute Josip Stanisic, who described it as one of the most monumental moments of his career.
Of course, it's one of them. The Croatian national team's goal was clear throughout the match; they wanted to advance to the final, and Stanisic, the player for his country, said as much.
"I don't think we would have cared in the end if we lost and still progressed because we really wanted to get to the final, but it's even nicer this way."
After losing to Sevilla in the Europa League final last season on penalties, Roma had a golden opportunity to advance to their second consecutive final this season, but they let it slip away in the final minutes.
Knowing that nobody has beaten them this season and coming so close to pulling off a miracle after falling behind 2-0, it's frustrating to see us give up a goal like that. Manager Daniele De Rossi of Roma told Sky Sports Italia that it hurts.
Final Product
European Champions League
Final match
Olympique Marseille defeated Atalanta 3-0. 0
Atalanta triumphs 4-1 in the end
Rome 2 vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen triumphs with a final score of 4-2
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