ROMA – Both Italian clubs got a small win and a draw at home stadiums in the UEFA Europa League season 2022/23 semi final first leg on Thursday night.
At Allianz Stadium, Juventus had a 1-1 tie game with Sevilla, giving them a high pressure in their second meeting at Spain one week after.
The guest team scored the opening goal by Youssef En-Nesyri in the 26th minute. Le Zebre received the equaliser in the last minute, through a precious goal from Federico Gatti in 90+7’.
The six times UEL winner now has a better advantage to welcome the Zebras at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
The “King of Europa” eliminated Manchester United with aggregate 5-2 in the quarter final, including a 3-0 victory at home in the second bout.
Roma beat Leverkusen
In another match, AS Roma defeated Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 at Stadio Olimpico, thanks to the precious goal from Edoardo Bove in the 62th minute.
The 20 years old Italian midfielder became the team hero, helping the Red Wolves to lead the aggregate during their visit to Germany next Thursday.
The Serie A club head coach Jose Mourinho showed his remarkable ability in the European competition, giving his squad a victory at home, although they are suffering with numerous injuries.
“The Special One” also celebrated a triumph against Xabi Alonso, the visitors’ club manager who was once his player during the Real Madrid era.
The Portuguese seeks to bring his squad to stay unbeaten in the second leg, but he would expect a powerful strike from Bayer seven days after.
Mourinho set the Europa champion as his best option to give Roma a ticket into the Champions League next season, as they are now only in seventh place in the Serie A table.
Upcoming: EPL matchday 36
After the UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches this week, the English Premier League season 2022/23 matchday 26 will be continued this weekend.
Manchester United will face Wolverhampton at Old Trafford this Saturday, a battle which they are desperate to win, to hold third place from being overtaken by Liverpool.
Chelsea will meet Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, the Blue Lions seek a winning streak after their long-lost victory in the last game by beating Bournemouth 3-1.
Race of Arsenal and City
On Sunday, Manchester City expects an easy win over Everton in the away game, to maintain first position in the EPL standings.
The Blue Moons are having 82 points, one point above Arsenal with one game yet to play.
The Gunners stand a tiny hope to overtake the throne, but they might face a tough fight against Brighton and Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium.
Meanwhile, Liverpool pursues seven consecutive wins in the Premier League by taking Leicester City down at Anfield.
The Reds are now in fifth place with 62 points, one point behind Manchester United but one more game played.
If Jurgen Klopp’s squad could keep up their top performance recently, they stand a chance to surpass the Red Devils and stay in the top four at the end of this season.
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