Bayer Leverkusen faces Roma this Thursday, in a game valid for the return of the Europa League semi-finals. In the first leg, at the Stadio Olimpico, the Germans started with an advantage and won 2-0. In a press conference, coach Xabi Alonso projected the decisive match.
“We are in a European semi-final, we need another concentration and another mentality. Despite the advantage it is a dangerous situation, a goal can quickly change the entire starting point. We want to be aggressive, control the game. We will take the game as if the confrontation the first leg had been 0-0. We want to win”, he said this Wednesday.
Xabi Alonso also recalled Leverkusen’s last elimination in the Europa League, against Roma, last season.
“We haven’t forgotten the feeling we had at that time. We have to take energy from that,” he said.
Bayer Leverkusen had a historic campaign and won the unprecedented German Championship title this season. In 32 matches played so far, the team has yet to lose. Xabi Alonso valued the achievement, especially after Borussia Dortmund qualified for the Champions League final, showing the strength of German football.
“This high level in the Bundesliga shows that what we have achieved is not easy. We have been consistent throughout the season,” he said.
Bayer Leverkusen could lose up to a goal difference to Roma, which would still guarantee qualification. The winner of this clash will face the qualifier from Atalanta and Olympique de Marseille in the big decision.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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