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Bayer Leverkusen proved too strong for Roma in Rome without their Nigerian star Victor Boniface.
Bayer Leverkusen took a big step towards the Europa League final by defeating AS Roma 2-0 in the semifinal first leg tie in Italy on Thursday night.
The German champions-elect overcame the absence of Nigerian star Victor Boniface to secure a valuable first leg advantage thanks to goals from youngster Florian Wirtz and a late Robert Andrich screamer.
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10:52 - 02.05.2024
Boniface and Tella: De Rossi admits Roma have reasons to fear Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma will reunite again in the UEL with Nigeria's Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella set to play active roles.
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12:30 - 24.04.2024
Mourinho hails Boniface & Tella's 'Extraordinary' coach Alonso after Leverkusen's fairy-tale season
Former Roma boss Jose Mourinho lauds ex-pupil's achievements as 'Something Special' with Bundesliga Champions Bayer Leverkusen.
Wirtz Breaks Deadlock
After a cagey first half, it was 20-year-old sensation Wirtz who made the breakthrough for Xabi Alonso's men just before the half hour mark.
A bizarre defensive error from Roma saw Alejandro Grimaldo set up the wonderkid for the easiest goal he will score this season and the midfielder showed great composure to slot home the opener.
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Leverkusen had to weather some intense Roma pressure after taking the lead, but stood firm defensively to retain their narrow advantage heading into the break.
Andrich's Thunderbolt
And their resilience was rewarded in stunning fashion in the 73rd minute as Andrich smashed an unstoppable 25-yard drive past the helpless Roma goalkeeper to double Leverkusen's lead.
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The fantastic strike put the Bundesliga side firmly in control of the tie ahead of next week's second leg in Germany.
Boniface Watching Brief
While the Nigerian striker Boniface remained an unused substitute, his teammate Nathan Tella was introduced late on as Leverkusen looked to see out the win.
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The victory will give Alonso's side huge confidence of reaching their first European final since the 2001/02 Champions League final, especially after that win.
As for Roma, they face an uphill battle to overturn the 2-0 deficit in the return fixture after being outclassed for large periods on home soil.
Daniele De Rossi's men will need to be far more clinical in front of goal and tighter defensively if they are to deny Leverkusen a place in the Dublin final.
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