Michael Jordan once said, “I’ve never lost a game, I just ran out of time.” For Bayer Leverkusen and their coach Xabi Alonso, this sentiment might have resonated deeply following their pursuit of an unprecedented unbeaten treble. However, their dreams were dashed in the UEFA Europa League final against Atalanta, where they faced a 3-0 defeat.
Leverkusen’s Phenomenal Season
Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen had transformed into a team that simply did not lose. They were the unbeaten champions of a 34-game Bundesliga season, reached the DFB-Pokal final, and also made it to the final of a European competition without suffering a single defeat. This remarkable run aimed to make them the first team since the inception of European club competitions in 1955-56 to achieve such a feat.
Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak extended to 51 games across all competitions, a span of 361 days since their last defeat against VfL Bochum on May 27, 2023. This streak included victories and comebacks that showcased their resilience and determination. However, their run came to a crashing end with a 3-0 loss against Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta in Dublin, marking a significant turning point in their season.
Atalanta’s Dominance from the Start
From the very beginning of the match, Atalanta took control. Xabi Alonso had anticipated a defensive approach from Atalanta, based on their previous performances. However, Atalanta’s strategy in the Aviva Stadium was different. They pressed high up the pitch, forcing Leverkusen into numerous mistakes and capitalizing on their errors. At no point did Leverkusen’s treble seem likely to be realized.
Ademola Lookman was the star of the show, making history by scoring a hat trick in the final. This achievement made him the first player to score a hat trick in a Europa League/UEFA Cup final since Jupp Heynckes for Borussia Mönchengladbach in 1975. Furthermore, Lookman became the first player to score a hat trick in a European final for an Italian club since Pierino Prati for AC Milan in the 1968-69 European Cup/UEFA Champions League final. His performance was nothing short of extraordinary, earning him the match ball and a place in the record books.
Gasperini’s Triumph and Atalanta’s Rise
Atalanta, under the brilliant coaching of Gian Piero Gasperini, had a season to remember. They convincingly defeated top teams like Napoli and Roma in Italy, and Sporting CP and Liverpool in Europe. Their qualification for the Champions League next season was a testament to their consistent performances. Beating Leverkusen was another highlight in their remarkable campaign.
“We wrote history with the way we won,” Gasperini said. “It was extraordinary. We defeated top teams and now the German champions. The boys were extraordinary. A memorable performance that will be remembered for years to come.”
Leverkusen’s Journey and Resilience
Despite the disappointment in Dublin, Leverkusen’s season was still one for the history books. Their ability to score crucial goals in the dying moments of games became a hallmark of their campaign. They managed last-minute comebacks and scored 17 goals after the 90th minute in various matches, demonstrating their never-say-die attitude.
In recent weeks, Leverkusen had salvaged draws with stoppage-time goals against teams like Roma (97th minute), Stuttgart (96th), Borussia Dortmund (97th), and Qarabag (92nd). They turned potential defeats into victories against Hoffenheim with goals in the 88th and 91st minutes. In the home leg of their Europa League tie against Qarabag, they fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 with goals in the 72nd, 93rd, and 98th minutes.
A Crushing Defeat
However, against Atalanta, there was no such comeback. Lookman’s early goals and Atalanta’s relentless pressing left Leverkusen looking tired and devoid of ideas. Despite Florian Wirtz’s best efforts to ignite his team, they couldn’t break free from Atalanta’s grip. The high pressing from Atalanta exposed Leverkusen’s vulnerabilities and capitalized on their mistakes.
Alonso’s Reflection and Future Prospects
“It wasn’t lost in terms of attitude, it was a football thing,” Alonso admitted. “Today wasn’t meant to be. They were better. It’s our first defeat of the season, and it will test us because we have a big game on Saturday. Normally, the first defeat happens earlier, but in a big game, it hurts more. We must use this pain positively. It’s exceptional what we have done. Today is painful, but deserved.”
Despite the setback, Leverkusen can still achieve an unbeaten double if they win the DFB-Pokal final against Kaiserslautern. Although the Europa League final ended in disappointment, their domestic invincibility remains within reach. Achieving an unbeaten double would still be an extraordinary accomplishment for Alonso and his team.
Looking Ahead
Leverkusen’s journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Their resilience, determination, and ability to perform under pressure have been commendable. As they prepare for the DFB-Pokal final, they have the opportunity to end the season on a high note and create history by achieving an unbeaten double.
While their defeat against Atalanta was a significant blow, it also serves as a valuable lesson and motivation for the future. Leverkusen were 90 minutes away from glory against Atalanta, but unlike Michael Jordan, they lost before they ran out of time.
The Information is Collected from ESPN and Yahoo.
