What to look out for in the Europa semifinal second legs
There will be plenty of twists and turns in the second legs as Sevilla tackle Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen go up against Roma for a place in the Uefa Europa League final.
Ángel Di María of Juventus, Sevilla's Ivan Rakitic, Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz and Roma youngster Edoardo Bove
The Uefa Europa League semifinal ties are finely balanced going into the second legs following Juventus's 1-1 draw with Sevilla and Roma's narrow 1-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
In this piece presented by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, we pick out some key factors that could decide which teams line up in the final on 31 May.
What to look out for
Sevilla wait on Ocampos
As you might expect from the six-time winners, Sevilla's record in European semifinal ties is formidable – but they may be without a key attacking influence, winger Lucas Ocampos having sustained a muscular injury after setting up Youssef En-Nesyri's opener in the first leg. It was his third direct goal involvement in this season's competition: only top scorer En-Nesyri has had more for Sevilla.
Should the Argentinian not be available, Ivan Rakitic and Erik Lamela will be expected to step up. A late equaliser in the first leg was a blow for Sevilla, but it at least made things simple for coach José Luis Mendilibar. Without a lead to protect, his side no longer need to "speculate" tactically; the only mission now, he said, is "go out to win".
Changes could tempt Juventus
With his team trailing at the break in the first leg, Massimiliano Allegri made two changes, bringing on wingers Federico Chiesa and Samuel Iling-Junior – the 19-year-old receiving his longest run-out yet in the Europa League. Italy regular Chiesa has had an injury-troubled season but he quickly improved Juve, while Iling-Junior's impressive, inventive display suggested he will be a starter before long.
Allegri had used all five of his substitutes by the 70th minute, and it was Paul Pogba who set up fellow replacement Federico Gatti for the last-gasp equaliser. All that talent in reserve may have Allegri reassessing his starting line-up, mindful that a near-perfect performance may be required against opponents with an imperious Europa League home record.
Leverkusen must overcome Italian hoodoo
Leverkusen cannot have been surprised by the first-leg result against Roma; they have now lost their last seven Uefa club competition games against Serie A teams. The upshot is that they face a complicated task: over the past ten years, only three sides have reached the final after losing their semifinal opener (Benfica in 2013, Liverpool in 2016 and Rangers in 2022).
However, in all of those three cases, the victors played the second leg at home, just as Leverkusen will on Thursday, and Werkself goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky is not feeling too burdened by history as he looks ahead. "It's a tough one," he acknowledged, "but we have beaten Leipzig and Bayern at home. We're a strong team with our fans behind us."
Bove comes of age
Rome-born midfielder Edoardo Bove is breaking through as one of the stars of José Mourinho's team, the 20-year-old's first-leg finish against Leverkusen further endearing him to fans. "Bove's growth is more down to his parents, to his grandmother, than to me," Mourinho joked. "He is a professional who seems to be 30 but with the humility to grow little by little."
It was quite the occasion for Bove, who "felt a sea of emotions inside" after scoring, but bigger challenges lie ahead. "We'll go to Germany with the same desire," he added. Another important contribution that helps steer his side to a second Uefa competition final in as many years might just make the local boy big news worldwide.
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