Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta Set To Clash In Historic Europa League Final

Bayer Leverkusen has secured a spot in their first European final since their encounter with Real Madrid at Hampden Park 22 years ago.

Under Xabi Alonso, the team has had a remarkable season, remaining undefeated in their 49th game of the 2023/24 season. With the Bundesliga title already in their hands and the DFB-Pokal final against Kaiserslautern on the horizon, Leverkusen is on the brink of achieving an incredible treble, a feat that seemed unimaginable when Alonso took charge in 2022.

Their journey to the Europa League final was not without its challenges. In a tense semi-final clash against Roma, Leverkusen found themselves in a precarious position as the Italian side erased their 2-0 aggregate lead. However, a stroke of luck saw Leverkusen regain the lead when a corner kick deflected off Roma defender Gianluca Mancini, putting them back in control. The decisive goal came in the 97th minute, courtesy of Josip Stanisic, ensuring their place in the final in Dublin.

In Dublin, they will meet Atalanta, who have been relegated from Serie A as many as 12 times in their history including as recently as 2011, but are into a European final for the first time.

Despite their turbulent past, Atalanta has defied the odds to reach their first European final. Their victory over Marseille in the semi-finals showcased their resilience and determination, with goals from Ademola Lookman, Matteo Ruggeri, and El Bilal Toure sealing their path to glory.

Under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta has experienced a resurgence in recent years, leading up to their impressive run in this season’s European competitions. Gasperini masterminded this season’s quarter-final dismantling of Liverpool. The Bergamo outfit got to the Champions League last eight in 2020, and then the quarter-finals of the Europa League two years later. They had previously reached the semi-finals of the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1988.