Bayer Leverkusen vs AS Roma, Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 09/05/2024

Odds via Tonybet

Bayer Leverkusen vs AS Roma. Shape of the Teams.

Bayer Leverkusen presents by far the most inspiring story of the season, and they could make history by avoiding defeat against AS Roma in the UEFA Europa League semi-final. 

Xabi Alonso’s team has already equalled Benfica’s historic unbeaten record from the 1960s and will break it if they remain unbeaten until the end of the season. 

However, their opponents are no easy feat. Despite AS Roma’s recent lack of success, Italian legend De Rossi has turned things around after ‘The Special One,’ José Mourinho, was dismissed. They remain on an impressive streak, with just two defeats in their last ten games. They suffered a loss in the first leg against Leverkusen and another against Thiago Motta’s Bologna, one of the other revelations of the season.

Second leg… 🔜 #ASRoma | #UEL pic.twitter.com/qncBinJOI8

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) May 8, 2024

Leverkusen already laid a solid foundation for reaching the final in the first leg with a 2-0 win against Roma. Xabi Alonso’s superteam already showed it is capable of pragmatism when the situation requires it, as evidenced in their victory over West Ham. Traditionally, most high-ranked teams struggle against low blocks, but this does not apply to Leverkusen’s “Werkself.”

The winner of the match will face the winner of Olympique Marseille vs Atalanta Bergamo in the final. These two teams are level after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

With Leverkusen’s seamless gameplay, they’re now favourites for the title. Xabi Alonso’s team is on course for the treble if they win the DFB Pokal final against 1. FC Kaiserslautern. 

All smiles ahead of tomorrow! 😁#Bayer04 #UEL #aCROSSeurope #Werkself | @grimaldo35 pic.twitter.com/xgi4rhaLS2

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 8, 2024

For a club not used to winning trophies, winning three in a single season would be monumental for the North German club.

Bayer Leverkusen vs AS Roma Match Info

• Date and Kickoff Time: Thursday, May 9, 3:00 PM EDT
• Stadium: BayArena
• Location: Leverkusen, Germany
• Last match: AS Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen: 0-2 (May 2, 2024, Europa League)

Bayer Leverkusen vs AS Roma, Odds

• Pick: Bayer Leverkusen to win
• Odds: -189 (Tonybet)

Bayer Leverkusen is unsurprisingly favoured by both the odds and the public. Despite Daniele De Rossi’s impressive work at AS Roma, stopping Leverkusen is a different story. No team has yet managed to decipher their tactical formula, as they have remained unbeaten throughout the entire season.  

Leverkusen’s adaptability allows Xabi Alonso to craft specific game plans for any situation – and we haven’t seen a team that managed to disrupt the Spaniard’s strategic plans.

Leverkusen is unlikely to play overly aggressive possession soccer, given their 2-0 victory in the first leg. In the last few months, they have been more pragmatic and less ambitious when necessary. Mixing idealism and pragmatism is nothing less than a display of Xabi Alonso’s excellence. 

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has developed a splendid duo with Andrich, creating a virtual wall at the center of the pitch. However, the major asset of the season is, without a doubt, La Masia graduate Alejandro Grimaldo, whose offensive contributions are remarkable.

While most teams would progress through the center, Grimaldo functions as either a decoy or a driving force down the wing. Leverkusen does not mind switching sides, preferring proximity between the players to exploit gaps in the opposition’s defensive lines.

AS Roma is in a difficult position. They need to attack because they’re down 2-0, but taking higher positions automatically gives Leverkusen free space behind the eventual high line. 

Leverkusen, on the other hand, demonstrated against West Ham their willingness to be patient and to sustain pressure for as long as needed. The Germans are not scared of circulating in the opponent’s half and waiting for the crack to appear. 

Extended defensive stints can erode focus, and Leverkusen knows how to use this to their advantage. As a result, they are expected to reach the final without much difficulty.

Bayer Leverkusen vs AS Roma Betting Tip

• Pick: Grimaldo to open the score
• Odds: +740 (Tonybet)

In a setting that favours Leverkusen, unlocking Grimaldo could be straightforward and highly effective in the semi-final of the UEFA Europa League.

Roma’s advanced positioning will likely offer the former Benfica fullback plenty of free space to exploit and the opportunity to cut inside.

This pattern has often seen Grimaldo become a major chance creator, which could be a game-changer on Thursday. His impressive creative statistics this season speak for themselves, and while most will focus on the central lanes – the real threat will come from Grimaldo’s play down the wing.

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.