Europa League: Bayer Leverkusen beat Roma 2-0 in Italy

Bayer Leverkusen's pursuit of a treble was boosted by winning their UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg 2-0 away from home at Roma on Thursday.

The Bundesliga champions extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 47 matches in the process.

Florian Wirtz and Robert Andritch scored either side of half-time for Bayer Leverkusen, securing a win after a drier spell of three consecutive draws. 

Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz scored his sides first goalImage: Andrew Medichini/AP/picture alliance

Leverkusen will bring the 2-0 advantage home for the second leg of the semi-final next week in western Germany. 

Coach Xabi Alonso's team has already secured the Bundesliga title, the first in the club's history, and the Werkself will also compete in the German Cup final on May 25,  as heavy favorites against second-division Kaiserslautern. 

With Thursday's win in Rome, the club took another step towards a final in continental competition as well. 

In Thursday's other semi-final, Marseille and Atalanta drew 1-1. 

Gianluca Scamacca gave Atalanta the lead in 11 minutes but Chancel Mbemba equalised for Marseille nine minutes later.

Both sides missed chances to score further goals in the second half.

The second legs will be held next Thursday, with the final in Dublin on May 22.

msh/lo (AP, AFP, dpa, Reuters)