Bayer Leverkusen, led by coach Xabi Alonso, faced their first defeat in nearly a year, marking the end of an impressive unbeaten streak. The setback occurred in the Europa League final against Atalanta, with a resounding 3-0 loss attributed to Ademola Lookman’s remarkable hat trick.
Reflecting on the defeat, Alonso admitted the rarity of such a loss, particularly in a crucial match. He emphasized the challenge of overcoming defeats in finals, acknowledging the disappointment within the team.
Despite the defeat, Leverkusen is gearing up for their next challenge: the German cup final against second-tier Kaiserslautern. Alonso acknowledged the difficulty of bouncing back from a loss, especially in such a significant game.
Midfield anchor Granit Xhaka, who had remained unbeaten with Leverkusen until this match, expressed indifference towards the unbeaten record, focusing instead on the game’s outcome. He commended Atalanta for their performance while highlighting the team’s disappointment.
The mutual respect between the teams was evident, with players and coaches acknowledging each other’s efforts. Both clubs, hailing from smaller cities, have exceeded expectations in European soccer, securing berths in the Champions League for the upcoming season.
Despite being outplayed by Atalanta, Alonso remains committed to Leverkusen, rejecting offers from other prestigious clubs. He views the defeat as a learning opportunity for his team, emphasizing the upcoming cup final as a test of their resilience.
With less than three days to prepare for the German cup final in Berlin, Leverkusen faces a crucial test of their ability to rebound from defeat. Alonso views this challenge as an opportunity for growth and development within the team.
