Bayer Leverkusen is chasing the second title of the season against Atalanta in the Europa League final at Aviva Stadium, Thursday, May 23, 2024, early morning WIB.
The hunt for trebles after Leverkusen won the German Bundesliga title. The team also qualified for the German Cup final to faceaislautern.
However, before servingUSlautern, who is now playing in Liga 2 Germany, Leverkusen met Atalanta.
This is the first time Leverkusen have competed in the European final. Previously, they reached the 2002 Champions League final but were then defeated by Real Madrid 2-1.
In the final in Europe's second caste competition, Leverkusen was indeed more confident. They have a good record because they never lost when they won the league title and stepped into the final. Xabi Alonso's team have undergone a total of 51 matches without losing.
However, Alonso did not underestimate Atalanta at all. According to him, La Dea is an opponent who is not easily defeated.
The reason is, the team has been formed for a long time. This is what makes the Italian Serie A club very solid.
Moreover, the team was supported by top European players such as the Dutch duo Teun Koopmeiners, Marten de Roon, Mario Pasalic, loan forwards from AC Milan, Charles De Ketelaere, to the Italian national team striker, Gianluca Scamacca.
"Over the past five years, Atalanta has built a solid and good squad. They know what to do. They have also proven their success in Italy and Europe," said Alonso.
"However, we have played many matches against teams like them in Germany. We have to play with careful, intellectual and mental tactics. Likewise, the tempo of the game will be applied," he said again.
Leverkusen won success and have the chance to win three titles this season. In the Bundesliga, they stopped Bayern Munich's dominance, which over the past 11 seasons won the competition.
Despite recording a brilliant record without losing, Alonso stated that this had absolutely no effect on the team's focus in the final match.
"When you reach the final, you don't think about numbers. You just want to win when competing in the final. We will try to do it in the last game (in the Europa League)," he said.
Meanwhile, Atalanta hopes to bounce back after failing in the Coppa Italia final. In the final match, they lost 1-0 against Juventus.
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Now, Atalanta wants to win their first trophy for 61 years and their first final in European competition.
"We are optimistic in this match. The reason is, we have prepared very well. We are also trying to enjoy this match. I think we are in the best physical and psychological condition," said Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
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