On Wednesday, Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta will clash for the Europa League title at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Leverkusen comes in as the favorite, yet Atalanta is eager to challenge the odds and secure the trophy.
Match Preview
Bayer Leverkusen capped off an undefeated Bundesliga season with a 2-1 win over Augsburg, lifting the trophy in front of their supporters.
The team has been in remarkable form, winning four of their last five matches in all competitions and 12 out of their last 16.
In the Europa League, Leverkusen has won nine and drawn three of their 12 matches, earning a spot in the final with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Roma.
With 31 goals in the competition this season, they are averaging 2.6 goals per game.
On the other hand, Atalanta secured Champions League football for next season by finishing fifth in Serie A, following a 2-0 win over Lecce.
They have won four of their last five matches and seven of their last nine encounters.
In the Europa League, they have only lost once in 12 matches, with seven wins and four draws, overcoming Liverpool and Marseille in the knockout stages.
Leverkusen’s recent Bundesliga triumph was their fourth win in five games, demonstrating their consistency.
Atalanta, meanwhile, has mirrored this form, also winning four of their last five matches, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess.
Head-to-Head:
The two teams met during the 2021-22 Europa League campaign, with Atalanta winning both encounters (3-2 and 1-0).
However, both squads have evolved since then, setting the stage for an exciting final.
Team News & Updates:
Leverkusen reports a fully fit squad with key players like Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka available.
Atalanta, however, will be without Marten de Roon, Emil Holm, and Sead Kolasinac due to injuries.
Prediction & Analysis:
While Bayer Leverkusen is the favorite, Atalanta’s recent form suggests a fiercely contested match.
We predict a high-scoring draw within 90 minutes, pushing the game into extra time or penalties to decide the winner.
- Atalanta 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen