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Europa League Quarter-Finals Conclude: Roma, Leverkusen, Marseille, and West Ham Advance

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, April 9th 2026 at 13:17 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED KINGDOM, GERMANY, SPAIN, BELGIUM, ITALY, NETHERLANDS, FRANCE

Rome, Italy - April 9th, 2026 - The quarter-final stage of the Europa League concluded last night, delivering a series of compelling matches and confirming the four teams set to compete for the coveted trophy: AS Roma, Bayer Leverkusen, Olympique de Marseille, and West Ham United. Each team overcame significant challenges to secure their place in the semi-finals, promising a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.

Roma Stun Brighton with Dominant Second Leg Performance

The Stadio Olimpico witnessed a resounding victory for AS Roma as they dispatched Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 in the second leg of their quarter-final tie. While Brighton had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the two legs, Jose Mourinho's Roma proved too strong on home turf. The Italian side flipped the script after a tight first leg, showcasing a tactical masterclass that effectively nullified Brighton's attacking threats.

Paulo Dybala opened the scoring with a composed penalty in the 34th minute, setting the tone for Roma's dominant display. Leonardo Spinazzola doubled the lead shortly after the restart, expertly finishing a flowing move in the 50th minute. Any lingering hopes of a Brighton comeback were extinguished in the 83rd minute when Andrea Belotti sealed the victory, sending the Roma faithful into raptures. This win not only secures Roma's place in the semi-finals but also solidifies their reputation as a formidable force in European competition. Brighton, despite a promising season, will return home disappointed but with valuable experience gained.

Leverkusen's Unbeaten Streak Continues - A Record-Breaking Season?

Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable season shows no signs of slowing down. Xabi Alonso's team cruised past Atalanta with a 2-0 victory, adding another chapter to their incredible unbeaten run. Patrick Schick was the hero of the night, scoring both goals - in the 20th and 83rd minutes - to secure Leverkusen's passage to the semi-finals.

The German side's consistency has been the hallmark of their success this season, and their Europa League campaign is a testament to their squad depth and tactical flexibility. Experts are now closely watching to see if Leverkusen can complete the season undefeated, a feat rarely achieved in modern football. Their dominance in the Europa League is a clear indicator of their potential to challenge for major honors on multiple fronts. Atalanta, a side known for its attacking prowess, found themselves stifled by Leverkusen's well-organized defense.

Marseille Edge Past Benfica in a Tightly Contested Tie

Olympique de Marseille secured their place in the semi-finals after a hard-fought battle against Benfica. A 1-1 draw in the first leg was followed by a tense second leg that saw Marseille emerge victorious with a 3-1 aggregate score. While details of the second leg were less conclusive than other matches, Marseille's consistent performance across both games was enough to propel them forward.

West Ham Overcome Bologna to Advance

West Ham United continued their impressive European journey with a 1-0 victory over Bologna in the second leg of their quarter-final tie. This result, combined with their 2-1 win in the first leg, saw the Hammers advance to the semi-finals with a 3-1 aggregate score. The London side demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to overcome a spirited Bologna side, further solidifying their status as a genuine contender for the Europa League title. The Hammers' success marks a significant turnaround for the club, after a period of instability.

Semi-Final Matchups: A Preview The semi-final draw promises exciting matchups:

• AS Roma vs. Bayer Leverkusen: A clash of tactical giants, pitting Jose Mourinho's defensive prowess against Xabi Alonso's attacking philosophy.
• Olympique de Marseille vs. West Ham United: A battle between two sides eager to make their mark on the European stage.

The semi-final first legs are scheduled for April 23rd, with the second legs taking place on April 30th. Football fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a captivating conclusion to the 2025/2026 Europa League season.