‘Anyone know where to get a good Guinness in Dublin?’ – Bayer Leverkusen look forward to Europa League final
Bayer Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo with teammates celebrate after the match
The Xabi Alonso-managed Bayer Leverkusen are on the way to Dublin for the Europa League final and there is more than the football on their minds.
Leverkusen struck a stoppage-time equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw against Roma at the BayArena which extended their unbeaten run to a record 49 games as they secured a place in the Europa League final.
Leverkusen will face Atalanta in the final at the Aviva Stadium on May 22
The full time whistle had barely blown in Germany when the official X account asked: “Anyone know where to get a good Guinness in Dublin? Asking for a friend.”
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Roma had been trailing 2-0 from the first leg, but forced their way back into the tie against the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions when Leandro Paredes converted a penalty in each half.
However, an own goal from Roma defender Gianluca Mancini with eight minutes left edged Leverkusen back in front overall.
There was more late drama when substitute Stanisic cut into the penalty area to roll the ball into the far corner of the net, sparking wild celebrations from the home supporters as they secured a 4-2 aggregate win.
Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 10th May
Roma had made a bright start, with Romelu Lukaku chasing a long ball into the penalty area, but Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar was out quickly to make a sliding block.
Leverkusen threatened when Exequiel Palacios’ shot was saved by Roma stopper Mile Svilar before Kovar was called into action again – at the other end – to deny Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Roma defender Mancini made a saving tackle as Adam Hlozek looked to stab the ball in from six yards.
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Palacios almost broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark, but his shot from the edge of the penalty area struck the base of the post before Svilar made another smart stop to palm away Jeremie Frimpong’s effort.
Svilar then made a fine double save from Amine Adli’s volley and the close-range follow-up from Hlozek.
Roma were awarded a penalty five minutes before half-time when Jonathan Tah pulled back Sardar Azmoun, who is on loan at the Serie A side from Leverkusen. Paredes confidently dispatched the spot-kick to cut the deficit.
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Bryan Cristante crafted an early opening for Roma at the start of the second half, but his scuffed shot lacked any power to test Kovar.
Jonas Hofmann saw his effort saved by Svilar before Roma were awarded another penalty just after the hour mark following a VAR check.
Initially, Dutch referee Danny Makkelie had missed handball by Hlozek as a cross was flicked through a crowded Leverkusen penalty area, but after being advised to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, he pointed to the spot.
Paredes kept his cool to roll the ball into the bottom-left corner and haul Roma level on aggregate.
