Bayer Leverkusen has won only two big trophies in their 119-year history. But now, they have a chance to win two more this season. They already won the Bundesliga and will play against Atalanta in the Europa League final in Dublin on Wednesday.
Leverkusen ended Bayern Munich’s 11-year winning streak in the Bundesliga. Xabi Alonso’s team made history by finishing the season unbeaten, which has never happened in the Bundesliga’s 61 years. They are also in the German Cup final.
Because they haven’t lost a game all season, people call them Bayer ‘Neverlusen.’ Atalanta will have a tough time against a team that hasn’t lost in 51 matches, a record in Europe since August.
Leverkusen has scored 17 goals in the last minutes of games this season, showing they fight until the end. Alonso said this shows the team’s strong commitment and effort in every game.
Atalanta’s coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has also done great things with his team. Since he started in 2016, Atalanta has been regularly playing in European competitions. They hope to win their first major trophy in 61 years after losing to Juventus in the Coppa Italia final.
Atalanta plays exciting, attacking football. Coaches like Pep Guardiola and Maurizio Sarri say playing against Gasperini’s team is tough, like “going to the dentist.” Even if you don’t get hurt, it still feels painful.
This match will be the first European final for both Alonso and Gasperini. Gasperini said it is the highest point of his career and a great achievement for his team. He feels very satisfied and proud of their success this season.