What a week of European football ahead of us, with games played in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and the Conference League. The games come at us thick and fast, with the UCL semi-finals played on Tuesday and Wednesday before making way for the Europa League last four. You’ll find a full and in-depth preview, including predictions on every game on this site. Read the thoughts of our team of football writers and use that information to predict the outcome of any UEFA game played this week.
This page focuses on the game from Italy where Roma takes on Bayer Leverkusen. The Italian Serie A hasn’t been competitive this season, as Napoli has pulled clear and had the title in the bag months ago. But that hasn’t stopped the big names from Italy’s top flight from blazing a trail of glory in Europe. There will be one Italian team in the finals of the Champions League, and we could see Juventus play Roma in the final of the Europa League. There’s genuine excitement in the air as we approach kick-off.
These teams have met four times, dating back to their first clash in 2004 when Bayer Leverkusen beat Roma 3-1 in Germany. Since then, there has been little between the pair, and the head-to-head stats reflect that. Bayer Leverkusen has been unable to build on that early victory and has that one win with Bayer on one win and the spare ending in a draw. The most recent game was in 2015 and produced a 3-2 win for Roma, setting the scene nicely for this week’s return.
Roma winless in four
Roma head into this potentially season-defining game on a poor run of form. Roma performed to their credit in Europe last season, and there will be no shocks if the team wins the Europa League this term. The playing and coaching staff and the manager boast vital performing experience in this tournament, so there will be nothing thrown at them they haven’t seen before. Roma must make their home advantage count on Thursday for the best chance of achieving this.
The tie won’t be decided in Rome, but the locals know if they travel to Germany next week needing a win, they’ve done something wrong. Taking the lead to Leverkusen would be a massive help in going through to the final, but wins over the Bundesliga’s most famous teams don’t come quickly. Roma knows they must head into battle without fear but can’t afford to throw caution to the wind. Scoring goals is important, but keeping clean sheets is just as vital.
Bet hereRoma were last seen in action extending their winless run in Serie A to four games following a 2-0 defeat when hosting Inter Milan on Saturday. Roma boss Jose Mourinho has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons of late, but a vital first-leg win over Bayer would help get the fans back onside. Jose has been there, done it, and bought the T-shirt. That experience will be invaluable to Roma.
Leverkusen must keep it tight
Bayer Leverkusen will enjoy having the second leg at home in Germany, but that’ll count for nothing if they choke in the first leg. Bayer Leverkusen must go to Italy and keep things tight at the back. There’s no away goal rule in force this season, as that has been scrapped going forward. Leverkusen must focus on ensuring the tie is competitive ahead of the return leg next week, where the players will receive a raucous reception. Do they have what it takes to stand firm against a Roma assault?
Leverkusen has caught the eye again in this competition after failing to impress last season. They also hold their own in the German Bundesliga, where they can be found in sixth place. Despite having a European position, Bayer won’t be playing Champions League football come September unless they win this year’s trophy and qualify for the Champions League. That was the case for Eintracht Frankfurt last term, and they enjoyed the ride after beating Rangers in Sevilla last May.
The visitors board a jet to Italy, having managed just one win in their last four games. That period consisted of two draws and a defeat, but the spare loss was inflicted at the weekend. Leverkusen suffered their 11th loss courtesy of a 2-1 reverse at home to FC Koln. That’s a team Bayer was expected to beat, but a poor second half meant they left empty-handed. Fans want to see improvement on Thursday.
Roma v Bayer Leverkusen prediction
Roma knows they face a tough night’s work in Germany next week, but they can give themselves a fighting chance of going through. The best way to achieve that is by winning at home, scoring a few goals, and keeping a clean sheet. Can they do it? Many football fans will be happy to trust Mourinho for this game.
Europa League odds
Predict the outcome of this game at 22bet, and you’ll enjoy odds of 2.07 on a Roma win or 3.62 if you fancy the chances of Bayer Leverkusen. If a nervy draw is your call, that attracts 3.4.
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