Bayer Leverkusen grabbed a crucial away win in the Europa League semi-final first leg, defeating Roma 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Bundesliga champions, with only their second victory ever on Italian soil, capitalized on defensive miscues from Roma.
Florian Wirtz opened the scoring after a misplaced backpass found full-back Alex Grimaldo, who set up the young midfielder for his 18th goal of the season.
Roma responded with attacking pressure but couldn’t find an equalizer before halftime. Their struggles continued in the second half, with striker Romelu Lukaku looking isolated and eventually being substituted after 80 minutes.
Leverkusen then sealed the deal with a stunning long-range strike from midfielder Robert Andrich, leaving the home side with a mountain to climb in the second leg.
Substitute Tammy Abraham had a golden opportunity to snatch an away goal for Roma in stoppage time but failed to convert, leaving Leverkusen in a strong position to advance to the Europa League final.
