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Invincible Bayer Leverkusen Can Be Beaten – Says Atalanta’s Marten De Roon
Atalanta midfielder, Marten de Roon, is optimistic about his team’s chances in the upcoming Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite Leverkusen’s impressive unbeaten streak of 51 games this season, de Roon believes Atalanta has the potential to cause an upset and put an end to their opponent’s unbeaten season.
Bayer Leverkusen, who have clinched their first-ever Bundesliga title, are aiming for a remarkable treble, making the final an exciting and highly-anticipated contest.
Atalanta has had a remarkable season, reaching their first-ever European final and securing a spot in next season’s Champions League. Despite narrowly losing the Coppa Italia final to Juventus last week, their achievements show their growth and success in both domestic and European competitions.
“They’ve had a perfect season until now. I don’t want to say they have any shortcomings but every team is beatable,” De Roon, who will miss the match due to injury, said on Tuesday. “They seem invincible but maybe we can change things.”
Under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta has transformed from a provincial club overshadowed by nearby giants AC Milan and Inter Milan to become regular contenders in European competitions.
Despite their impressive rise, Atalanta has been unable to secure a trophy, extending their 61-year wait for silverware.
“All that matters is that we want to win the game. With or without me, it doesn’t matter, what matters is lifting the trophy,” added De Roon. “We will do everything in our power to do that.”
Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso, has opted to reject offers from his former clubs Liverpool and Bayern Munich to continue with the German champions in the upcoming season. Gasperini praised Alonso’s dedication and loyalty in remaining with the club that provided him with his debut senior coaching opportunity.
“What Xabi Alonso has done is wonderful because, with the performances this season, he had the opportunity to go to several bibiglubs,” he said. “But he thought the club (Leverkusen) believed in me when I was not so well thought of.”
Atalanta has experienced two of their most memorable European victories en route to Dublin, eliminating Liverpool in the quarter-finals and Marseille in the semi-finals.
Gasperini remains optimistic that these remarkable achievements will instill confidence in his players as they aim to halt Leverkusen’s invisible winning streak.
“We are aware that we are facing a great team. We know that they are undefeated and we know that they have had an amazing season,” said the 66-year-old. “Our journey, however, was also very good as we beat very strong teams to reach the final. We also have belief.”
