PORTUGAL/ITALY: Roma defeated Feyenoord 4-1 in extra time, completing a stunning comeback to advance to the Europa League semi-finals. Roma made a strong effort to score early on, but Leonardo Spinazzola’s goal at the hour mark sealed the victory. The stadium erupted in applause at this point.
Chris Smalling had to leave the game due to a thigh injury, and Feyenoord scored the game’s winning goal. Igor Paixo flicked Sebastian Szymanski’s cross into the goal, and Dybala finished from a constrained angle. Roma gained the initiative and the overall advantage after 101 minutes, and Lorenzo Pellegrini scored the winning goal seven minutes later.
Jose Mourinho’s team won 4-1 at Union Saint-Gilloise for a 5-2 aggregate victory, setting them up to play Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-finals. Leverkusen scored first in Belgium in 66 seconds, with Moussa Diaby going around Anthony Moris to score. Mitchel Bakker scored the team’s second goal, and Jérémie Frimpong scored the third goal for the guests.
The hosts had little chance of winning after Casper Terho’s excellent strike in the 65th minute. However, Leverkusen, the final German team still competing in Europe this season, sealed the deal with Adam Hlozek’s rebound goal with 10 minutes remaining.
Xabi Alonso believes the team’s attitude was key to their success in the semi-final, scoring the opening goal quickly and doing a great job. He will only discuss the semi-final, as they are nearing the final.
Juventus will play Sevilla in the other semi-final after a 1-1 draw at Sporting Lisbon and a 2-1 overall victory. Adrien Rabiot’s early strike helped secure the result, but he was called for a foul on Manuel Ugarte and gave away a penalty. Marcus Edwards successfully converted the penalty kick, and Sporting went on the offensive for the remainder of the opening period.
Juventus maintained their pressure-absorbing strategy in the second half, as Sebastián Coates missed two opportunities and Ricardo Esgaio blasted a volley over the crossbar.
Also Read: Sevilla Eliminates Manchester United and Advances to the Europa League Semi-finals
