Leverkusen secure late draw to set unbeaten record and reach Europa League final

Bayer Leverkusen struck a stoppage-time equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw against Roma at the BayArena which extended their unbeaten run to a record 49 games as Xabi Alonso’s side secured a place in the Europa League final.

Roma had been trailing 2-0 from the first leg, but forced their way back into the tie against the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions when Leandro Paredes converted a penalty in each half.

However, an own goal from Roma defender Gianluca Mancini with eight minutes left edged Leverkusen back in front overall.

INCREDIBLE.#UEL pic.twitter.com/t5urrf0EIV

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There was more late drama when substitute Stanisic cut into the penalty area to roll the ball into the far corner of the net, sparking wild celebrations from the home supporters as they secured a 4-2 aggregate win.

Roma had made a bright start, with Romelu Lukaku chasing a long ball into the penalty area, but Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar was out quickly to make a sliding block.

Leverkusen threatened when Exequiel Palacios’ shot was saved by Roma stopper Mile Svilar before Kovar was called into action again – at the other end – to deny Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Roma defender Mancini made a saving tackle as Adam Hlozek looked to stab the ball in from six yards.

Palacios almost broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark, but his shot from the edge of the penalty area struck the base of the post before Svilar made another smart stop to palm away Jeremie Frimpong’s effort.

Svilar then made a fine double save from Amine Adli’s volley and the close-range follow-up from Hlozek.

Roma were awarded a penalty five minutes before half-time when Jonathan Tah pulled back Sardar Azmoun, who is on loan at the Serie A side from