Bayer Leverkusen take control of Europa League semi-final with 2-0 win over AS Roma

Leverkusen on course for Europa League final after comfortable win

German side in strong position ahead of second leg in Rome

Bayer Leverkusen took a significant step towards the Europa League final with a 2-0 win over AS Roma in the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday. Goals from Moussa Diaby and Florian Wirtz gave Leverkusen a comfortable lead to take to Rome for the second leg next week.

Leverkusen started the game brightly and took the lead in the 18th minute when Diaby fired home from close range after good work from Wirtz. The German side continued to dominate and doubled their lead in the 67th minute when Wirtz scored a stunning goal from 25 yards out.

Roma rarely threatened and Leverkusen could have won by more but for some wasteful finishing. The German side will now be confident of finishing the job in Rome and reaching the final.