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'They have done it again!!' - Fans react as Bayer Leverkusen advance to UEFA Europa League final along with Atalanta

Bayer Leverkusen and Atlanta booked their place in the final of the competition in emphatic fashion as AS Roma and Olympique Marseille get knocked out.

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Saatvik Oberoi
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The UEFA Europa League semi-finals second legs were scheduled for today as four teams looked set to qualify for the final of the competition later this month in Dublin. Bayer Leverkusen prior to the game had a 2-0 lead against AS Roma after their amazing win last week in Rome. Meanwhile, in the other semi-final, it was anyone’s game as Atalanta and Olympique Marseille were level 1-1 on aggregate after the first leg.

For Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso decided to rest some of their key players which includes Florian Wirtz, Robert Andrich, Patrick Schick and Lukas Hradecky. They still had a mixture of experience and youth in their playing XI as they looked to continue their 48-game unbeaten run. AS Roma started their best possible playing XI hoping to do the unthinkable at the Bay Arena today.

The game started brightly with both teams attacking and trying to create opportunities to open the scoring on the night. Roma were dominating the possession and knew they had to get the early goal to stand any chance of qualifying to the final. 

They were lucky to get two penalties either side of half-time which made the tie level on the night. Leverkusen’s unbeaten record was on the line and they brought on Wirtz. Their gameplay improved significantly and from a corner they were able to get a goal. It was an unfortunate one for the visitors as it turned out to be an own goal from Mancini. Josip Stansic, the substitute got the second goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time to keep the side's unbeaten run going. Bayer Leverkusen are through to the final of the UEFA Europa League.

What happened in the other semi-final between Atalanta and Olympique Marseille?

Atalanta BC were the favourites to advance to the final in their game against Olympique Marseille. They had a tough time in the first leg and knew they had to get the job done today at the Gewiss stadium. The Italian outfit were strong on the blocks as they were attacking from the first minute itself. Marseille were happy to use the counter-attacking approach and hope to benefit from that.

However, English playmaker Ademola Lookman opened the scoring for the hosts which meant they led the tie. Another goal from left wing-back Matteo Ruggari and El Bilal Toure increased the lead for the side in the second half. The visitors were not able to grab a goal which meant that Atalanta qualified to the final of the UEFA Europa League.

Fans react as Bayer Leverkusen advance to UEFA Europa League final along with Atalanta: 

Bayer Leverkusen UEFA Europa League Atalanta BC AS Roma