Roma advanced into the 2022/23 Europa League final after holding Bayer Leverkusen to a hard-earned 0-0 draw on Thursday night. The visitors defended a slim first-leg lead to overcome the Bundesliga outfit and reach the title decider despite not scoring a knockout-stage away goal.
Edoardo Bove’s second-half winner in last week’s first leg put Roma in the driver’s seat ahead of the return fixture in Germany. However, the Giallorossi’s performance at the Stadio Olimpico left plenty to be desired as they barely threatened Leverkusen’s goal.
Aware his bid to guide Roma into a second successive European final was only at the halfway point, Jose Mourinho fielded a second-string lineup at Bologna over the weekend. But as was the case in a tepid 0-0 draw at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Sunday, his side looked rather clueless up front.
In a classic ‘Mourinho style,’ Roma showed no attacking ambition at the BayArena, surrendering possession to Leverkusen in a desperate attempt to defend a slender lead. Despite enjoying much of the ball, Xabi Alonso’s men couldn’t find a way past the visitors’ water-tight backline in the first half.
However, there was a feeling Mourinho’s lines were too deep. Barring Lorenzo Pellegrini’s early attempt off target, Roma failed to have a shot on goal for the rest of the night. Luckily for the Italians, Leverkusen couldn’t convert several half-chances, while Rui Patricio thwarted every long-range threat.
Despite never trying to score, Roma kept Alonso’s team to bay to qualify for the grand final.
Roma (3-5-2)
Rui Patricio – 7.5
Pulled off numerous vital stops to deny Leverkusen’s attempts from distance and looked reliable overall.
Gianluca Mancini – 7
Sardar Azmoun never stood a chance against the Italian center-back, who seemed in complete control of the aerial space in front of Patricio’s goal. Another impressive display from the vice-captain.
Bryan Cristante – 7.5
Chris Smalling’s injury isn’t the only reason the 28-year-old midfielder has established himself as a permanent fixture in Mourinho’s three-man defense. Barely put his foot wrong the whole night!
Roger Ibanez – 6.5
Lost tracks of Azmoun several times but had Cristante and Mancini to thank for watching his back and averting the danger. Yet aerial duels proved plain sailing for the Brazilian.
Zeki Celik – 7
His defensive showing was spot-on again. However, chasing down the lightning-fast Moussa Diaby for over an hour took its toll, as he had to leave the pitch in the 78th due to injury.
Edoardo Bove – 6.5
Worked his socks off in the engine room all evening, battling and bruising with his opponents to provide additional cover to Mourinho’s backline. But nowhere to be seen in the attack.
Nemanja Matic – 7.5
Back to the starting lineup after being rested at Bologna, the Serbian midfielder rolled over the years to plug every midfield hole and help Roma endure the siege, making numerous crucial interceptions. Vintage performance from the veteran!
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 6
Even though he failed to provide any spark in the front third, the Roma captain did much of the heavy lifting in the middle of the park. Showed he is not afraid to get his hands dirty.
Leonardo Spinazzola – 4.5
Had a quiet game by his standards before suffering an injury midway through the first half, forcing Mourinho to make an early sub.
Andrea Belotti – 6.5
Despite failing to score again, the former Torino striker fought tooth and nail to retain possession on the opposite half while constantly dropping back to help his team defend.
Tammy Abraham – 6
Like his attacking companion, the Englishman never had a clear sight of the Leverkusen goal and was more focused on holding the ball and drawing fouls than scoring.
Substitutes
Nicola Zalewski – 6.5
Came on earlier than expected but slotted in seamlessly, defending with authority and carrying the ball forward whenever having an opportunity.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 6
Played more as a defender than a midfielder since replacing Belotti at the start of the second half.
Chris Smalling – 6.5
Won every aerial challenge after joining the fray down the final stretch.
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