The Europa League final at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Wednesday promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Quest for Glory
Bayer Leverkusen aims to complete the second part of a treble and come within 90 minutes of an unprecedented unbeaten season. Xabi Alonso’s team has drawn global attention with their 51-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, culminating in their first Bundesliga title. This remarkable run comes from a club that had only previously won the 1988 UEFA Cup and the 1993 German Cup.
Alonso, in his first full season as a senior manager, commented, “Our focus is on preparing for the game like any other. We’ve played 51 games this season, and the players are ready. We respect Atalanta, but we are confident in our game.”
Atalanta’s Historic Opportunity
For Atalanta, the final offers a chance to secure their first major silverware since 1963. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta has become a formidable team. Despite missing their captain Marten de Roon due to injury, Gasperini expressed confidence: “We are in the best possible condition. Leverkusen is extremely organized and versatile. We have to respect them and adapt quickly.”
Both teams ended British hopes in the Europa League quarter-finals, with Bayer Leverkusen knocking out West Ham and Atalanta stunning Liverpool.
Alonso’s Irish Connection
Alonso, who spent a summer in Ireland learning English as a teenager, feels a strong connection to the country. Reflecting on his time in Kells, County Meath, he said, “It’s always great to come back. My connection with Ireland is strong, especially from my Liverpool years.”
Bayer Leverkusen’s Remarkable Season
Leverkusen is on the brink of an unprecedented achievement: an unbeaten season in European competition. Having never won a German title in their 119-year history until this year, they achieved it without losing a single game. Previously known as “Neverkusen” for their near-misses, the club’s fortunes changed with Alonso’s arrival in October 2022. Under his leadership, they have demonstrated remarkable resilience, scoring crucial goals in the dying minutes of several matches, including their Europa League semi-final against Roma.
Even if they triumph over Atalanta, Leverkusen will still face Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final on Saturday.
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— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 22, 2024
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Atalanta’s Transformation
Atalanta, like Leverkusen, has seen a transformation under their manager. Gasperini has turned the once yo-yo club into a consistent European competitor since 2016. This final marks their first European final, with Gasperini looking to end their history of near-misses, including three Coppa Italia final losses.
Though British clubs were eliminated earlier, the final still features familiar faces. Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella, both London-born and representing Nigeria internationally, will be in action.
After the final, Bayer Leverkusen will compete in the German Cup final against Kaiserslautern. Atalanta will have two Serie A matches remaining, needing just one point to secure a Champions League spot for next season. Their final game against Fiorentina was rescheduled due to the tragic death of Fiorentina director Joe Barone.
The Europa League final promises to be a thrilling contest with significant stakes for both Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta, each striving to cap off remarkable seasons with historic victories.
🔮 Leverkusen to complete an undefeated campaign or will Atalanta’s defence prevail?
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