The Europa League semi-finals have arrived and bring with them a tie that promises to be very even. Jose Mourinho's Roma will host Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg at the Stadio Olimpico di Roma.
The Italian side are not in their best form of the season, being winless in their last four matches. In addition, the 'Giallorossi' are seventh in Serie A and are fighting to qualify for the UEL 2023/2023.
On the other hand, Leverkusen are in a very different situation to Moruinho's side, as the Germans have improved greatly from the start of this season. Although the Bundesliga side have only won two of their last five games, they sit sixth in the Bundesliga and are fighting to qualify for European competition next season.
And there is also a certain magic to this match-up as the master takes on the pupil. Mourinho, who coached Xabi Alonso for three seasons at Real Madrid, will be faced with the difficult task of winning the tactical battle against the former midfielder, who has been a hit in his early days as a coach.
Possible lineups for the clash
Roma's possible starting XI: Patricio (GK); Mancini, Cristante, Ibanez; Zalewski, Matic, Wijnaldum, Spinazzola; Pellegrini, Dybala and Abraham.
Bayer Leverkusen possible starting XI: Hradecky (GK); Kossounou, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Tapsoba, Bakker; Diaby, Adli and Wirtz.
May 11, 2023