SUMMARY
- Bayer Leverkusen will face Atalanta in the Europa League final.
- Ahead of the match, Granit Xhaka is not feeling any pressure.
Bayer Leverkusen will be coming up against Italian giants, Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 final. In one of the biggest occasions on the annual soccer calendar, the German champions will be looking to continue making history. Xabi Alonso and his men are the overwhelming favorites to lift what would be the second UEFA Europe League title in the club’s long history.
Leverkusen’s achievements this season have been nothing short of extraordinary. Along with their ability to tactically dominate their opponents on the pitch, the team’s never-give-up attitude has allowed them to be one of the biggest talking points this campaign. “We drink blood every morning. We don’t feel it anymore.”, Granit Xhaka said amusingly in the press conference before the final highlighting their impressive mentality.
💭 Xhaka was asked why there is no feeling of nervousness among the Bayer Leverkusen players…
🗣️ Xhaka: “We drink blood every morning! We don’t feel it anymore.” 🥶🩸
(Via @BeanymanSports) pic.twitter.com/NHkVysioh0
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) May 21, 2024
Alonso has been widely applauded for his efforts and work done at Leverkusen this season. The Spaniard has adapted seamlessly to a foreign league and culture. He has been successful in being able to communicate his idea of playing to his players. Florian Wirtz, Alejandro Grimaldo, Jeremie Frimpong, Victor Bonfiace, and more have all enjoyed the best seasons of their respective careers under the 42-year-old.
Bayer Leverkusen looks to add the UEFA Europa League to its historic season
Bayer Leverkusen has already managed to accomplish the greatest season ever in the club’s history. Led expertly by their young manager and soccer legend, Xabi Alonso, the club won the Bundesliga title comprehensively, ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year domestic dominance. The league title was the ever in Leverkusen‘s history having finished as runners-up five times previously.
Bayer Leverkusen look to take a step closer to an invincible treble.
Atalanta trying to win their first-ever European trophy.
Can’t wait for the Europa League final 🍿 pic.twitter.com/bWAJQYXgIk
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 21, 2024
With the league title achieved, Xabi Alonso’s full focus is now on grabbing the UEFA Europa League title. Last season, his side reached the semi-finals where they were eliminated by Jose Mourinho’s Roma. This time around they have got the better of challenging opponents like Qarabag, West Ham United, and Roma in the knockout stages to advance to the final. Another tough test awaits them in the form of a free-scoring Atalanta side that will not make Leverkusen’s night in the final any easier.
Benfica’s 59-year-old record beaten by Bayer Leverkusen
Portuguese side, Benfica enjoyed the record for the longest unbeaten run of matches in European history for over 59 years. Bayer Leverkusen broke that record with their 2-2 draw against Roma in the second leg of the Europa League semi-finals.
The draw took their tally to 49 games unbeaten, surpassing Benfica’s 48 from 1963-1965. Currently, Bayer Leverkusen stands at 51 consecutive games without a defeat and is just two games away from going the whole season undefeated.
🚨🚨| BREAKING: Bayer Leverkusen now hold the 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐒𝐓 unbeaten run in European football history. They’ve broken Benfica’s record which stood for 59 years. 😱🔥 pic.twitter.com/IYKvY7nYXt
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) May 9, 2024
Over the course of the campaign, Bayer Leverkusen have smashed several records on their way. Xabi Alonso has ensured that his team will undoubtedly hold a place in the history books for their spectacular performances. Their display of grit and perseverance has attracted comparisons to some of the most historical squads in the history of the game. Leverkusen will be hoping to clinch further two victories to complete a historical treble season.