Bayer Leverkusen Earns Advantage in Europa League Tie Against Roma

Wirtz and Andrich Goals Secure 2-0 First-Leg Lead

Former Union Berlin Midfielder Shines in Leverkusen's Unbeaten Run

Bayer Leverkusen took a significant step towards the Europa League quarter-finals with a comfortable 2-0 victory over AS Roma in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Thursday.

Florian Wirtz opened the scoring for the German side in the 28th minute, capitalizing on a loose pass from Roma's defense. The teenage prodigy has been in impressive form for Leverkusen this season, contributing 10 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

Former Union Berlin midfielder Robert Andrich doubled Leverkusen's lead in the 69th minute with a well-taken strike from the edge of the box. Andrich has emerged as a key player for Leverkusen since joining from Union in the summer, providing both defensive stability and attacking threat.

Leverkusen's victory extends their unbeaten run in all competitions to 47 games, a remarkable achievement that has propelled them to the top of the Bundesliga table and into the latter stages of the Europa League.

Despite the impressive performance and result, Leverkusen will be wary of Roma's quality and determination in the second leg. Jose Mourinho's side will be desperate to overturn the deficit and reach the next round when the teams meet in Italy next week.

The match also marks a significant milestone for Andrich, who played a pivotal role in Union Berlin's impressive rise in recent years. The 27-year-old's experience and leadership qualities have been invaluable for Leverkusen this season, and his goal against Roma will undoubtedly boost his confidence and his team's hopes of achieving success.