Bayer Leverkusen seeks revenge against Roma in the Europa League semi-finals after last season's defeat. Leverkusen, led by Xabi Alonso, is on an impressive unbeaten streak and aims to reach the final. Meanwhile, Roma faces a hectic schedule but remains determined under manager Daniele De Rossi.

Bayer Leverkusen are aiming for revenge on Thursday as they face Roma in the Europa League semi-finals for the second consecutive year, following yet another late escape that extended their remarkable unbeaten streak. Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen coaching staff were captured celebrating Roma's progress past AC Milan in the quarter-finals, setting the stage for Thursday's first leg at the Stadio Olimpico as an opportunity to erase the memory of last season's semi-final defeat under Jose Mourinho's management. Leverkusen, who ended Bayern Munich's Bundesliga dominance last season, are favourites to advance to the final in Dublin.

The team that ended Bayern Munich's Bundesliga reign is seeking payback for the 1-0 aggregate defeat that saw Roma fall agonisingly to Sevilla in last season's final on penalties.

"We have a strong desire for revenge and a great hunger to win and reach the final," said Leverkusen CEO Fernando Corro to Radio Marca.

"We are determined to reach the final at all costs."

Leverkusen have scored 16 goals in stoppage time this season across all competitions, with the latest coming in the 96th minute of Saturday's 2-2 draw with Stuttgart.

Their penchant for late goals has propelled them to the Europa League semi-finals, with former Roma player Patrik Schick scoring three times in added time during their dramatic 5-4 win over Qarabag in the last-16 and two more late goals securing victory against West Ham in the quarter-finals.

Coach Alonso described his team's ability to salvage results late in games as "difficult to explain" after Robert Andrich secured a draw against Stuttgart, and he hopes this trend continues throughout the campaign.

"Our main objective was to win the league, but now we don't want to stop," Alonso told Sky.

"The goal is clear. We want to remain undefeated until the end of the season."

'Roma are undoubtedly tired'

Roma secured a late draw against Napoli on Sunday thanks to a late goal from Tammy Abraham, the England international striker's first goal in a year after a lengthy knee injury layoff.

While Leverkusen can focus on European competition, Daniele De Rossi's team has endured a hectic few weeks as they strive to secure an additional Champions League spot for Serie A next season and pursue their third continental final in as many years.

Roma are undoubtedly fatigued after defeating Milan to reach the semi-finals, preceded by the Rome derby and followed by matches against top-five rivals Bologna and Napoli, as well as their match at Udinese, which was split into two acts after Evan Ndicka's on-pitch collapse.

Their next two league fixtures are against Juventus and Atalanta, making the next fortnight crucial for De Rossi, who has rejuvenated his boyhood club since replacing Jose Mourinho in January.

"I have players who are determined to achieve something this season," De Rossi told DAZN after the Napoli draw.

"We know it will be tough... we must find the results necessary to qualify for the Champions League or win the Europa League."

De Rossi will be buoyed by the return of Romelu Lukaku alongside Paulo Dybala after the Belgium striker recovered from a thigh problem.

Also returning are Chris Smalling, who missed the Napoli match due to a groin injury, and midfield anchor Leandro Paredes, who was suspended for the hard-fought draw at the weekend.

"We must be flawless, because if they are unbeaten and have the ability to score crucial goals in the final seconds so frequently, it indicates they possess something special," De Rossi remarked.

"They are undefeated, but they are not invincible."