German side Bayern Leverkusen lost the first leg of the Semi final of the EUFA Europa League to As Roma as Bove’s only goal sealed the win.
Jose Mourinho managed to defeat his former Player Xabi Alonso’s Bayern Leverkusen side 1-0 at Stadio Olympico in the 63rd minute after Bove broke the deadlock which was the only goal in the game.
Prior to the kick off, many had anticipated this game as Jose Mourinho was going to clash his former player as well as AS Roma looking forward to a back-to-back EUFA trophy and winning this game was very key to that campaign.
Bayern Leverkusen dominated possession with a 62% against Roma’s 38%. However, Eduardo Bove grabbed the victory for Roma with his only goal in the second half after the ball ricocheted from Abraham’s strike.
Tensions rose in the game with both sides committing 30 fouls fortunately without a red card.
Mourinho commended his team and the fans after the game. “Full credit to the lads, they have an incredible mentality and desire,” he said
“I’ve said it so many times: they have this sense of responsibility to make the supporters happy. The fans were incredible tonight, demonstrated by the display when we went to the stadium from Trigoria.”
“What we saw from them tonight, even to someone like me, creates certain emotions inside. I’m happy because the team responded incredibly well tonight, it wasn’t an easy match.”
“From a mental perspective tonight was tough, you need to stay concentrated for all ninety minutes, emotionally this is also difficult.”
As Roma is halfway through to the final as they prepare to take on Bayern Leverkusen again in the second leg of the Semi final at the BayArena, Thursday 18 May.