A year ago, Bayer Leverkusen had to endure a bitter elimination from AS Rome in the semi-finals of the Europa League, this season the still undefeated club now believes in making amends. On Thursday evening, the Bundesliga champions will start a doubleheader in Rome, and striker Patrik Schick is looking forward not only to revenge, but also to meeting his former teammates. He wore the AS jersey for two years starting in the summer of 2017. He couldn’t play in the semi-finals last year due to a lingering injury.
“All the players and others in the club remember how it was last year. We deserved the promotion last year, now each of us wants to take revenge.” Schick said at an evening news conference. In the last Europa League season, Bayer lost 0:1 in Rome and then drew goalless at home.
Leverkusen are now on a 46-game unbeaten run, have already won the German league title and are hungry for more success. Schick is excited to be healthy this time and to make an emotional comeback. “It’s nice to be back, especially when I couldn’t play last year due to injury. I’m also looking forward to seeing some former team-mates. Especially Daniele De Rossi, who is now the coach and is doing a very good job.” he said.
The match will start at 9:00 p.m. and the second Czech striker Adam Hložek will only be a spectator this time, as he is recovering from an injured ankle. On the other hand, goalkeeper Matěj Kovář should not be missing from the lineup of the German champion.
