Bayer Leverkusen claim commanding first-leg victory over Roma in Europa League semi-final

Leverkusen take control with 2-0 away win

Goals from Wirtz and Andrich give Germans advantage

Bayer Leverkusen claimed a crucial 2-0 first-leg victory at Roma in the semi-finals of the Europa League on Thursday. Florian Wirtz and Robert Andrich scored the goals as the Bundesliga champions took a significant step towards reaching the final.

The match was played in front of a passionate crowd at the Stadio Olimpico, and it was the visitors who started the brighter of the two sides. Wirtz opened the scoring in the 21st minute, capitalising on a mistake by Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

Andrich doubled Leverkusen's lead in the 62nd minute with a well-taken strike from outside the area. Roma had chances to get back into the game, but they were unable to find a way past Leverkusen's defence.

The result leaves Leverkusen in a strong position ahead of the second leg, which will be played at the BayArena on May 5. Roma will need to score at least three goals without conceding if they are to overturn the deficit.

The win was Leverkusen's third in a row in the Europa League, and they will be confident of completing the job at home. Roma, meanwhile, will need to produce a special performance if they are to reach the final.