Stopping Leverkusen's unbeaten streak, Atalanta makes history with Europa League title

Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso can assert his status as a rising coaching star in this year's Europa League final. But he has to face a cunning "old fox" in Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

Ademola Lookman (right) shines with a hat-trick to help Atalanta win the Europa League

Alonso has rejected offers from former clubs Liverpool and Bayern Munich to stay on as Leverkusen manager after guiding the club to their first Bundesliga title with an unbeaten record this season. The German champions are unbeaten in 51 games in all competitions and can secure a treble if they win their two finals this week.

Leverkusen were expected to beat Kaiserslautern (2nd division) in the German Cup final this weekend. But in the first final (Europa League), coach Alonso's team stumbled in Dublin (Ireland) against Atalanta.

Leverkusen's preemptive attack plans were almost destroyed in the first half by the opponent's sharp counter-attacking style. In particular, striker Ademola Lookman of the Italian team had a brilliant day. The 26-year-old Nigerian striker stunned the opponent with a double in the first half (in the 12th and 26th minutes), helping Atalanta take a 2-0 lead.

Coach Gapserini lifted the Europa League trophy, marking 8 successful years leading Atalanta

Despite the return of top striker Florian Wirtz (who has 18 goals and 20 assists this season), Leverkusen were still stuck in attack despite dominating possession. The German side's hopes were dashed after Lookman completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, sealing a 3-0 win for Atalanta.

It was a deserved victory for Atalanta to make history with the Europa League trophy. Because the team under the leadership of coach Gapserini actually had a better performance at the Aviva Stadium. Although they were at a disadvantage in terms of the game, the Italian team was superior in terms of the number of chances created compared to their opponents (7 compared to 3), of which they were successful 3 times.

Coach Alonso's disappointment at not being able to help Leverkusen extend their impressive unbeaten streak

A provincial club from Bergamo, Atalanta have always lived in the shadow of nearby giants AC Milan and Inter Milan. However, they are enjoying a golden period under 61-year-old Gapserini and will play in the Champions League next season for the fourth time in five years. And with the Europa League triumph, Atalanta have marked another milestone of their own.

They have not lifted silverware for 61 years, having lost three Coppa Italia finals in the last six seasons, most recently to Juventus less than a week ago, and this time, Gapserini and Atalanta have achieved what they wanted for a team that previously considered success simply by surviving in Serie A.

They enjoyed their best night ever, beating European giants Liverpool and Marseille on the road to Dublin, and then produced a memorable night in the Irish capital when they ended Leverkusen's unbeaten run.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chan-dung-chuoi-bat-bai-cua-leverkusen-atalanta-tao-lich-su-voi-chuc-vo-dich-europa-league-185240523044116028.htm