The Unbreakable Are Broken: Atalanta’s Historic Europa League Triumph Over Bayer Leverkusen

Chapter 1: The Rise of the Unbeatables

Bayer Leverkusen’s 2023-24 campaign was destined for the history books from the very beginning. Under the tutelage of Spanish tactician Xabi Alonso, the Werkself had embarked on an unprecedented journey – a quest to conquer the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Europa League, all without tasting defeat.

When Alonso took over the reins in October 2022, Leverkusen were languishing in the Bundesliga relegation playoff spot, a mere shell of their former selves. However, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder worked his magic, transforming the squad into a ruthless, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing unit.15

The transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Leverkusen stormed through the second half of the 2022-23 season, securing a Europa League spot and laying the foundation for their remarkable campaign to come.5

Chapter 2: Conquering the Bundesliga

The 2023-24 season saw Leverkusen hit the ground running. Alonso’s meticulous planning, tactical nous, and man-management skills shone through as his side embarked on a Bundesliga campaign for the ages.15Led by the mercurial talents of Florian Wirtz, Amine Adli, and a rejuvenated Granit Xhaka, Leverkusen steamrolled their way through the German top flight, playing a brand of football that captivated the nation.5

Victory after victory, draw after draw, Leverkusen’s unbeaten run continued to gather momentum. They became the first team in Bundesliga history to go an entire season without tasting defeat, a feat that had seemed unimaginable just a year prior.3

As the title race reached its climax, Leverkusen’s unwavering determination and collective spirit shone through. They clinched the Bundesliga crown with a game to spare, cementing their status as the dominant force in German football.1

Chapter 3: The European Conquest Begins

With the Bundesliga trophy safely tucked away, Leverkusen turned their attention to the Europa League, determined to complete an unprecedented treble.1

The German giants breezed through the group stage, showcasing their depth and versatility. Alonso rotated his squad judiciously, ensuring that his players remained fresh and focused for the challenges that lay ahead.1

In the knockout rounds, Leverkusen faced a series of daunting opponents, each more formidable than the last. Yet, time and time again, they found a way to overcome the odds, displaying a resilience and never-say-die attitude that had become their trademark.1Whether it was mounting a stunning comeback against Roma in the semi-finals or grinding out a narrow victory against a stubborn Sporting CP side, Leverkusen demonstrated the hallmarks of a true European champion.1

Chapter 4: The Final Hurdle

As Leverkusen marched towards the Europa League final, the anticipation and excitement reached fever pitch. The prospect of an unbeaten treble was tantalizing, a feat that had never been achieved in European football.1

Their opponents in the final, Atalanta, were no strangers to European success. The Italian side had already eliminated the mighty Liverpool en route to the showpiece event, and they were determined to write a new chapter in their own remarkable story.17

The stage was set for a titanic clash, a clash that would decide the fate of Leverkusen’s historic season. As the teams took to the field in Dublin, the air was thick with tension and expectation.7

Chapter 5: The Unthinkable Happens

The opening exchanges of the final were dominated by Atalanta, as the Italian side’s high-pressing and relentless energy unsettled the seemingly unflappable Leverkusen.78 It was Ademola Lookman who would deliver the first blow, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give Atalanta the lead.18

Undeterred, Leverkusen sought to regain their composure and slowly worked their way back into the game. However, just as they began to gain a foothold, Lookman struck again, this time with a stunning solo effort that left the Leverkusen defense in his wake.18

Suddenly, the unthinkable had happened. Leverkusen, the team that had gone 51 games unbeaten, were trailing 2-0 at halftime.13

Chapter 6: The Comeback That Never Was

As the second half began, Leverkusen threw caution to the wind, desperate to claw their way back into the match. Alonso introduced the dynamic Victor Boniface, hoping to inject some much-needed energy into his side’s attack.8

The German giants did manage to create a few chances, with Alejandro Grimaldo and Florian Wirtz both going close. But try as they might, they simply could not find a way past the inspired Atalanta goalkeeper, Juan Musso.8Just when it seemed that Leverkusen might be able to mount a trademark comeback, Lookman struck again, this time with a stunning long-range effort that sealed his hat-trick and Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy.89

The final whistle blew, and Leverkusen’s dreams of an unbeaten treble lay shattered. ​The Werkself, once seemingly unstoppable, had finally met their match.8

Chapter 7: The Aftermath

In the immediate aftermath of the defeat, the Leverkusen players and staff were understandably devastated. Xabi Alonso, who had guided the team to unprecedented heights, could only watch as his meticulously crafted plan unraveled before his eyes.8

Yet, as the dust settled, a sense of pride and perspective began to emerge. Leverkusen’s journey throughout the season had been nothing short of remarkable, and their historic unbeaten run had captured the imagination of football fans around the world.5The players, led by the likes of Wirtz, Xhaka, and Tapsoba, recognized that they had achieved something truly special, even if they had fallen agonizingly short of the ultimate prize.5 Alonso, for his part, received widespread acclaim for his tactical masterclass and man-management skills, with many pundits and experts tipping him as one of the brightest young coaches in world football.8

Chapter 8: A New Dawn in Leverkusen

While the Europa League final defeat was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow, Leverkusen’s 2023-24 campaign had already cemented their place in the annals of German football history.5 The Bundesliga title, their first in the club’s history, was a testament to the team’s resilience, talent, and unwavering determination.1And with the DFB-Pokal final still to come, Leverkusen had the opportunity to end their season on a high note and secure a historic domestic double.5

As the players and staff regrouped in the aftermath of the Europa League final, they knew that this was just the beginning. Under Alonso’s guidance, Leverkusen had transformed into a formidable force, one that would undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.5

The future was bright for Leverkusen, and the echoes of their unbeaten run would continue to reverberate through the halls of the BayArena for years to come. This was not the end, but rather the start of a new era of dominance and success for one of Germany’s most iconic football clubs.