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Bayer Leverkusen Are Ready To End Their Losing Streak Against Atalanta In Europa League Final
Bayer Leverkusen has been formidable this season and they will aim to maintain their unbeaten streak in the Europa League final against Atalanta on Wednesday, seeking to break their losing streak against the Italian side.
For the first time since their 2002 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen will compete in a European final. Eager to break their two-match losing streak against Atalanta, the Germans are determined to secure victory.
In the 2022 Europa League last 16 tie, Atalanta emerged victorious in both legs against Bayer Leverkusen. With this in mind, Bayer Leverkusen coach, Xabi Alonso, is aware that his team must avoid repeating the lapses in concentration that proved costly in their previous encounter two years ago.
Despite a remarkable 51-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, Bayer Leverkusen will face the final at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Coach Xabi Alonso is confident that this impressive run has equipped his team well for the upcoming challenge. Aimed at winning the second title of a potential treble this season, Leverkusen’s players are determined to triumph.
“In the last five years, Atalanta have always built on their ideas. They know what they want and are successful in Italy and Europe,” Alonso, whose side will also feature in the German Cup final against Kaiserslautern on Saturday, told reporters. “But we’ve had a lot of games in Germany against teams that play similarly. Tactics, intelligence, and mentality will be required tomorrow.”
“We need to make the most of space intelligently. And we also need to decide what tempo to play in what areas of the game.” He stated.
Bayer Leverkusen broke Bayern Munich’s 11-year title monopoly in Germany this season and their unbeaten run has earned them the nickname ‘Neverlusen’.
However, Alonso insists that the record run has not changed their view on the final.
“When you go to the final you don’t go there to make up the numbers, you go to win it. We will try and make one last effort,” Alonso said. “We’ll prepare like we did for all the games before. We haven’t lost in 51 games, so my boys know how to adapt to different situations. That also applies to the final.”
“From the start of the campaign, we believed in our brand of football and that’s right at the heart of this successful run.”
Xabi Alonso also commended his Italian opponent, who have the Europa League as their only opportunity for silverware this season after falling to Juventus in the Coppa Italia final last week. Positioned fifth in Serie A, a league already secured by Inter Milan, Atalanta remains focused on European success.
“They have a great coach (Gian Piero Gasperini) and great players like Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere. It’s an honor for me to be able to play against such a great team here tomorrow.” Xabi Alonso said.
