Watch the Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta match in the European League final
Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning German Bundesliga champions, are looking to continue making history and move a step closer to achieving the treble when they face Italy's Atalanta, who are seeking their first major trophy since the 1960s, on Wednesday in the UEFA Europa League final in Dublin, Ireland.
Leverkusen’s Journe
Under the leadership of their Spanish coach Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen achieved an extraordinary feat by winning the Bundesliga for the first time in their history without suffering a single defeat. They finished 17 points ahead of second-placed Stuttgart and remained unbeaten across 51 matches in all competitions. This remarkable record boosts the team's confidence in their ability to secure the European title and add another achievement to the club's annals.
For a long time, Leverkusen, who finished runners-up in the Bundesliga, the German Cup, and the UEFA Champions League in the 2001-2002 season, were nicknamed "Neverkusen" (the team that never wins). However, this year, the team has managed to shed that label after winning the league and reaching the finals of both the Europa League and the German Cup.
When Xabi Alonso took over the team, which was struggling in the lower half of the table less than two years ago, the club underwent a dramatic transformation and reached the pinnacle, defeating all competitors in the German top flight. They beat Augsburg last week to finish the league unbeaten, enhancing hopes of achieving the historic treble.
Offensive and Defensive Prowess
With a powerful attack, the team scored 135 goals in all competitions this season while conceding only 39. Nevertheless, Leverkusen can further shine in this historic season by winning the Europa League final against Atalanta. Securing the European title would add more luster to the team's accomplishments this season, cementing their status as one of the best teams in Europe currently. Winning three titles in one season would confirm the significant transformation under Xabi Alonso's leadership and affirm their merit on the European stage.
Leverkusen is aiming for their second European title after winning the UEFA Cup in 1988. If they succeed in defeating Atalanta, the treble would be within reach as they face second-division Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final three days later.
Crucial Goals and Comebacks
Leverkusen has become known this season for scoring crucial goals in the dying moments, helping the team continue their journey in the continental competition. For example, they were down 2-0 against Azerbaijani team Qarabag in the first leg of the Round of 16 but scored twice in the 70th minute and the last minute of the match to level the score. In the return leg, Qarabag led 2-1 until the last minute of regular time before Leverkusen scored two consecutive goals in stoppage time to advance to the quarter-finals, where they overcame West Ham 3-2 on aggregate.
If Leverkusen can maintain this momentum and secure victories in the upcoming matches, they will enter history as one of the few teams to win a treble without a single defeat in one season.
Semi-final Triumph and Group Stage Dominance
In the semi-finals, Leverkusen avenged last year's elimination by Roma, defeating them 4-2 on aggregate. They were on the verge of losing the second leg 2-1, but a last-minute goal by Sepp Stanišić sealed their victory.
During the group stage, Leverkusen cruised through undefeated, winning all six matches. Now, they could become the fourth team in history to win the Europa League title without a loss, adding another achievement to their exceptional season.
Atalanta’s Ambitions
However, Leverkusen's task will not be easy, especially since Atalanta is also aiming to win their first major trophy since 1963 when they won the Coppa Italia.
Atalanta, who have reached the Europa League final for the first time in their history, are eager to win the title and appease their fans after failing to win the Coppa Italia, having lost to Juventus. The Italian team is known for their physical strength and strong defensive organization, making the match a significant challenge for Leverkusen.
The last encounter between Atalanta and Leverkusen in the Europa League was in the 2021-2022 season, where Atalanta won 3-2 at home but lost by one goal a week later in Germany.
Atalanta dreams of securing their first European title, especially since they have eliminated major teams this season. They topped their group in the group stage, then ousted Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon in the Round of 16, overcame English giants Liverpool in the quarter-finals, and defeated French team Marseille in the semi-finals.
Atalanta has become the eleventh Italian team to reach a continental final, with the opportunity to become the first Italian team to win the Europa League title if they triumph on Wednesday.
A Historic Showdown
The anticipated clash between Leverkusen and Atalanta promises to be an exciting and challenging battle, with both teams aiming to achieve historic success and add a European title to their trophy cabinets.
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