Bayer Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten run ends with Europa League final loss to Atalanta

Atalanta BC pulled off a dominant 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen to clinch the UEFA Europa League 2023-24 title on Thursday, May 22. The Italian aspect additionally ended Bayer Leverkusen’s dream unbeaten run throughout all competitions to finish their 61-year-old silverware drought. 

Leverkusen entered the final with 51 unbeaten matches on their again and as favourites to bag their second European competitors title. But Xabi Alonso’s males had been surprised by the previous Everton ahead Ademola Lookman who recorded an excellent hat-trick at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

Lookman scored two first-half objectives after which celebrated his hat-trick with his third objective within the second half. The English ahead grew to become the one sixth participant to rating a hat-trick within the main UEFA finals and the primary within the final 50 years.

Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini led his staff to their first-ever main trophy after a formidable marketing campaign in Serie A the place they aim a Champions League berth subsequent season. Gasperini, 66, grew to become the oldest coach to win the UEFA Europa League.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen, who clinched the Bundesliga title with a memorable unbeaten season, shall be going through FC Kaiserslautern within the German Cup 2024 final on Saturday, May 25. 

More to observe…