Bayer Leverkusen collapsed after their defeat to Atalanta in the C2 final
2 min read
Bayer Leverkusen collapsed for the first time this season, losing 0-3 to Atalanta and consequently forfeiting the Europa League title to their opponents.
Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, entered last night’s Europa League final with an impressive 51-match unbeaten streak across all competitions in the first season under coach Xabi Alonso. However, their journey was halted by Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta, as Ademola Lookman made history with a hat-trick to guide the Serie A side to their first European title.
Errors in the Europa League final cost Xabi’s team the chance to claim their first major continental trophy. Alonso made a mistake by benching Victor Boniface, and Leverkusen failed to adapt to Atalanta’s high-intensity pressing style. As a result, they were overwhelmed by their opponents and lost the final.
Nevertheless, Bayer Leverkusen’s fans should remain optimistic rather than overly disappointed. The 2023/24 season witnessed a significant surprise as Leverkusen, not Bayern Munich, dominated the Bundesliga.
Before the season, many predicted Bayern Munich would easily clinch the domestic double with the blockbuster addition of Harry Kane. However, Leverkusen showcased superior strength, continuously winning matches, and finishing the season undefeated.
This achievement is even more impressive than Bayern Munich’s unbeaten season under Pep Guardiola and Robert Lewandowski. Bayern Munich – with a star-studded lineup – never reached this milestone.
Although Bayer Leverkusen collapsed 0-3 against Atalanta in the Europa League final, it can still take pride in a highly successful 2023/24 season. The 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich in February, the decisive goals from Josip Stanisic, and Florian Wirtz’s hat-trick in the Bundesliga title match are moments that Leverkusen fans will cherish forever.
This season marks Leverkusen’s dominance in the Bundesliga, and although they couldn’t conquer Europe, it remains the greatest season in the club’s history.
