Paredes on ‘unfortunate’ Roma loss to Bayer Leverkusen and penalty pressures | OneFootball

Leandro Paredes underlined the pain of the late own goal in Roma’s Europa League semi-final tie defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, frustrated his penalty ‘wasn’t enough’ for the win.

The Giallorossi suffered an ultimately decisive 2-0 loss to Xabi Alonso’s high flying side in the first leg, leaving them with a mountain to climb in their Thursday evening trip to the Bay Arena in the second leg of their European tie.

Paredes stepped up to the plate for Roma in their second leg with Bayer Leverkusen, scoring from the penalty spot twice to put his side 2-0 up. A late own goal from Gianluca Mancini condemned Daniele De Rossi’s side and a follow-up from Josip Stanisic closed out the evening.

Paredes and Roma disappointment

Speaking to Rai via TMW, Paredes first discussed the pain of Roma’s Europa League semi-final exit to Bayer Leverkusen.

“It’s unfortunate, because until the 80th minute we had the game in hand. Unfortunately, the own goal forced us to go forward and leave space behind.

“We did everything we had to do. We congratulate them, they play really well. Unfortunately, the own goal punished us.”

He commented on the impact of De Rossi in the dugout.

“Since the coach arrived, we’ve been on a very good path. There are three games left, we have the goal in our hands, and we will try to achieve it.”

Paredes was asked if Roma’s pride against Bayer Leverkusen would help them against Atalanta in the league.

“Definitely not. We have to give 110% and do much more than today. We need to play more and do more of everything. We hope to recover and arrive on Sunday at our best.”

Finally, Paredes discussed how it felt to step up to the penalty spot for the second time in the match.

“I had a lot of confidence. In my career I’ve had tougher penalties, I know how to shoot them, unfortunately it wasn’t enough.”