Europa League Final: Atalanta Ends Bayer Leverkusen’s Unbeaten Streak
The Aviva Stadium in Dublin came to life on, May 22, 2024, as Atalanta beat the 51-game unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen in the 52nd game and edged their name in history.
When we wrote, “Why Atalanta is the Team that Could Finally Beat Bayer Leverkusen”, we raised the question of whether Atalanta could make history by beating the unbeaten world record holder team, and to sheer surprise, Atalanta rose to the challenge.
In a high-stakes game, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men emerged victorious against Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League final.
The match was not only a clash of giants but also a rollercoaster of emotions, with Atalanta securing a 3-0 win with a hat trick and claiming their first major trophy in 61 years.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Unbeaten Run Comes to an End
Bayer Leverkusen was on an impressive 51-game unbeaten streak, a remarkable feat that spanned 351 days. However, their remarkable run met its match when they faced a determined Atalanta side.
The Italian team, known for their attacking flair and tactical adaptability, put an end to Leverkusen's historic run in a dramatic fashion.
Ademola Lookman's Hat Trick
The hero of the night was Atalanta winger, Ademola Lookman. His stunning hat trick left Leverkusen reeling. Lookman capitalized on Leverkusen's defensive lapses, scoring twice within the first 26 minutes of the game.
His third goal, a powerful strike in the 75th minute, sealed the victory for Atalanta and sent him home with the match ball.
Tactical Battle and Defensive Resilience
Atalanta's manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, masterminded their triumph. His tactical adaptability stifled Leverkusen's attacking threats, preventing any comeback.
Leverkusen, renowned for their late-game heroics, couldn't find their usual magic against Atalanta's well-organized defense and got only 3 shots in the first half against their usual 30.
What's Next for Bayer Leverkusen After Losing the Europa League Final?
Initially, Xabi Alonso’s men were going for an unbeaten treble. Despite this setback, Bayer Leverkusen still has a chance to lift the DFB Pokal title when they face FC Kaiserslautern in their final game of the season on May 25th.
The German Cup final awaits, however, after Liverpool lost to Atalanta in the Europa League this season smaller teams in England’s domestic league also started defeating Liverpool.
Could we see the same happen for German domestic league teams against Leverkusen after they see that the unbeaten can be beaten?
Conclusion
As winners, Atalanta not only claim the trophy but also secure a spot in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League group stage if they haven't already qualified through their domestic league.
Atalanta's victory marks a historic moment for the club, and their fans will cherish this triumph for years to come. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen will regroup and look ahead to their next challenge.
The Europa League final showcased the beauty of football—a blend of skill, strategy, sheer determination, and turning of tables.