Europa League
Mourinho defended Leverkusen’s progress, German side threatened mainly in the first half
José Mourinho has once again confirmed that there is no train despite progressing in the European Cups. In the Europa League semi-final rematch with AS Roma, a goalless draw with Leverkusen was enough for him given the 1-0 home win.
José Mourinho has once again confirmed that there is no train despite progressing in the European Cups. In the Europa League semi-final rematch with AS Roma, a goalless draw with Leverkusen was enough for him given the 1-0 home win.
AS threatened in the second minute, but midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini fired just wide of the left post from the edge of the area. On the other side, Moussa Diaby tried his luck, but the quick-footed French winger did not head between the three posts.
In the 13th minute, the crossbar wobbled and was struck from an angle by the active Diaby. There was a lull for 15 minutes after that, then the home side’s Karim Demirbay headed just wide of the target.
Rui Patricio seemed to be pulling the ball in, which continued. In the 37th minute, Sardar Azmoun shot from the edge of the area, but again the Portuguese goalkeeper had an easy time.
By the end of the half, Leverkusen still threatened a couple of times, Demirbay fired four times, but not once dangerously.
After the change of sides, the nervousness and upset on the home side escalated as the minutes ticked by. The game was becoming very fragmented, which suited the Romans.
Leverkusen were slightly better, but José Mourinho closed his team down after the change of sides. It wasn’t until the 65th minute that Azmoun tested the impenetrable defensive line, but he traditionally only hit the centre of the goal.
Two minutes later, Demirbay had a more dangerous shot, but Patrício intervened again and Azmoun could not get to the ball. Adam Hložek got into the game for the final 15 minutes but didn’t show much.
The Wolves didn’t let their opponents do anything in the second half, they held on to the setup and thanks to the 1:0 win from the first game they advance to the final.
Source: Nova Sport 2