Europa League semi-final news, 8pm BST kick-off (first leg: 2-0)Live scoreboard | Read Football Daily | And you can mail SimonHello world! We are witnessing history, are we not? Tonight Bayer Leverkusen could, at this point should, qualify for their second major European or domestic cup final of the season – this from a club that had previously played in just six – and remain on course for a treble, an achievement that would more than double the total number of significant pots in their trophy cabinet, the most recent of which before this season was secured in 1992-93. They have three games to play this season, or four if they qualify for the Europa League final, and of the 41 games they have so far played they have lost none. It is already an achievement beyond description, beyond imagination, and it could tip over into full head-explosion territory before the campaign closes.Despite losing the first leg 2-0 at home Roma might have something to say about all that. “The fact that they are unbeaten does not mean they are unbeatable,” their coach, Daniele de Rossi, says sagely. Roma reached last year’s Europa League final, knocking Leverkusen out on their way before losing on penalties to Sevilla in the Budapest-based showpiece, and any team with Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku in their squad is a threat. “We are expecting Roma to come with the hope of qualifying,” said Xabi Alonso. Everyone, to be fair, is expecting Roma to hope to qualify. Few at this point think they will actually qualify. Let’s just hope they give it a good go. Continue reading...