Coach José Mourinho’s Roma qualified for the final of the Europa League holding, this Thursday (18), a 0-0 draw with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, after winning the first leg in Italy by 1-0 last week.
The ‘giallorosso’ team, led by goalkeeper Rui Patrício, author of decisive saves in the match, will play their second consecutive European final, after having been champion of the Conference League in 2022.
“It’s a great joy to reach another Europa League final,” celebrated Mourinho in an interview with Sky Sport.
Playing away from home, Roma withstood pressure from Leverkusen with a line of five defenders, reinforced in midfield by Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic.
Not even the exit at the end of the first half by midfielder Leonardo Spinazzola shook the Romanist wall, which left no room for the German attack.
The panorama of the game was also a portrait of what was happening on the edge of the pitch, with a relaxed Mourinho while Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso did not stop gesticulating.
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At the age of 60, the Portuguese veteran will play his seventh European final on May 31. If they win, he will take Roma back to the Champions League after four seasons.
“I’m very proud of my players. For me it’s an honor to work with them. This final means more than last year’s,” added the Roma coach.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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