Leverkusen defeated Roma 2-0 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final in Italy on Thursday.

Florian Wirtz and Robert Andrich scored for Xabi Alonso’s team, which is currently in a solid position to face either Atalanta BC or Marseille in the competition’s final.

Wirtz scored in the 28th minute, and Andrich added a stunning goal in the 73rd minute, leaving Roma with no reaction despite having the majority of possession.

Roma’s Paulo Dybala tested Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar, who made a brilliant save.

Romelu Lukaku then rattled the crossbar with a header, giving the home team the advantage, but  Leverkusen offered a threat on the counter, with Jeremie Frimpong hitting the side netting from a tight  angle.

Leverkusen holds a solid position ahead of the  second leg

In the 28th minute, the visitors scored through Alex Grimaldo’s cross to Wirtz, who deftly put the ball in the bottom corner.

Rick Karsdorp’s poor defense allowed Grimaldo to into the penalty box, and the left-back seized the opportunity to set up his colleague.

Frimpong shot just past Mile Svilar’s post in the following term as Leverkusen sought a second goal. However. the two sides were separated by only one goal at halftime in Rome.

Leverkusen had 11 goal attempts in the first half of the match, while Roma had four, and the Bundesliga side also started the second half on top.

Leverkusen won the away match against Italian Giants

Roma just managed two attempts on target after a tough night

Piero Hincapie scored early in the second half. The Roma fans did their best to boost Giallorossi‘s play as the hosts struggled to find their passing way.

Bryan Cristante had a chance to level the game. Nevertheless, he missed a Dybala corner from close range, resulting in a wasted opportunity for the home team.

Bundesliga champions got control of the game in the 73rd minute, when Andrich’s long-range strike gave Leverkusen a 2-0 lead.