Xabi Alonso after eliminating Roma: “I imagined it was going to be difficult.”

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso commented on his side’s victory over Roma on aggregate from tonight’s second leg of the Europa League semifinal.

“I imagined it was going to be tough,” Alonso told Rai Sport at full-time. “It had already been difficult in Rome.”

“We were down by two goals only due to episodes, we shouldn’t forget what we created and I liked the reaction. Last year we came close to the final, this year we advanced.”

“Atalanta Roma were also very good in trying to attack us. Atalanta with Gasperini for many years and a well-established team: it will be nice to challenge them.”