Xabi Alonso wary of Roma threat as Bayer Leverkusen chase more history - 'We haven’t forgotten last season’

Xabi Alonso insists his Bayer Leverkusen side have not forgotten the pain of last year’s UEFA Europa League semi-final loss to AS Roma as they prepare to avenge that defeat on Thursday night, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Leverkusen’s hopes of reaching a European final were ended when they lost 1-0 on aggregate to Roma 12 months ago but they hold a 2-0 advantage going into a home second leg this time around.

The Germans are also riding the momentum of a historic campaign and could finish it off in sublime style.

Currently on a 48-game unbeaten run, Leverkusen have already ended the 11-year reign of Bayern Munich to clinch the Bundesliga title and have a DFB-Pokal final against Kaiserslautern to come.

But Alonso, who decided to remain at the club amid interest from Liverpool, says he and his players aren’t getting complacent.

“We haven't forgotten last season, we felt it,” the Spaniard told reporters. “We need to use this energy and hopeful we can celebrate at the end.

“We will put all of our focus on the full 90 minutes. We want to deserve our win and make the final in Dublin.”

To do that, Leverkusen will once again have to neutralise a Roma outfit that Alonso believes has “evolved” under Daniele De Rossi, who replaced Jose Mourinho in January.

De Rossi has enjoyed success since inheriting the hot seat and is expected to remain in charge for the 2024/25 season.

As well as that, though, Alonso wants his players to be “aggressive” and put on a show for their fans.

“We can’t lower our guard and we should not only defend, but also attack,” Alonso added. “We must know what to do and try to hurt them.

“Roma are a complete team. They have evolved under De Rossi, and if they are in the Europa League semi-final, it is because they have great players. We know them well.

“A second leg is always a dangerous situation no matter the result before.

“We are preparing to play well with good motivation and at our own game. We want to be aggressive, control and defend well as a team.

“We are expecting Roma to come with the hope of qualifying.”

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