We have reached the semi-final stage of this year’s Europa League and there are four exciting teams set to battle it out for a place in next month’s final at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
Here is all you need to know about this week’s semi-final first legs.
AS Roma v Bayer Leverkusen
When: Thursday 11 May
Where: Stadio Olimpico
Kick-off: 8pm
TV: BT Sport 3
Betfred match odds: Roma 11/10, Bayer Leverkusen 5/2, Draw 23/10
Sportsman stat: Roma have progressed from 10 of their last 11 major European knockout ties, including the last seven in a row.
Jose Mourinho’s Roma are seeking their second European title in as many years after claiming the inaugural Europa Conference League in 2021-22. Mourinho is the first manager in history to have won all three major European competitions so he is regarded as an expert when it comes to playing on this stage.
Roma are facing a tough battle in Serie A to secure their place in Europe next season so there could be an extra incentive for them to go all the way in the Europa League as it will propel them into the roster for next year’s Champions League.
Mourinho will square-up against former player Xabi Alonso for these two legs, with the Bayer Leverkusen boss having spent three years under the Portuguese coach at Real Madrid. The Spaniard will know Mourinho’s methods more than most as a result and this could set up a very interesting tactical battle between the two.
Juventus v Sevilla
When: Thursday 11 May
Where: Allianz Stadium
Kick-off: 8pm
TV: BT Sport 2
Betfred match odds: Juventus 4/5, Sevilla 18/5, Draw 12/5
Sportsman stat: Sevilla have won each of their last six matches against Italian opponents in the Europa League, with each of them coming in the knockout stages. The latest came back in 2019-20 when they beat Inter Milan in the final to claim their sixth trophy.
After having their 15-point deduction in Serie A rescinded, Juventus sit second in the Serie A table and their quest for Champions League football next year is in a strong position. The Old Lady will be the favourites heading into this tie with Sevilla, but the Spaniards cannot be underestimated. Sevilla are the record champions of the Europa League with six titles, all of which have been won in the last 17 years. Juventus will also be mindful of how Sevilla dealt with Manchester United in the previous round and will be aware that they will have to be at their very best to secure their place in the final.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
