Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen ended their impressive 51-game unbeaten streak by falling to Atalanta in the Europa League final after midweek misery.
Granit Xhaka, voiced his disappointment post-match, claiming that Leverkusen was not fixated on maintaining their undefeated status.
Before succumbing to Atalanta, Leverkusen’s last defeat occurred in the previous season’s final game against Bochum, marking the end of their long run.
Ademola Lookman’s hat-trick led Atalanta to their first title in 61 years, securing the Europa League trophy, overshadowing Leverkusen’s domestic success.
Despite the loss, Leverkusen remains focused on bouncing back in the upcoming DFB-Pokal final, aiming for a potential double.
Xhaka emphasized that Leverkusen never prioritized their unbeaten streak, keeping their focus solely on the game and accepting the loss graciously.
Leverkusen’s unbeaten run, spanning nine months, consisted of 42 victories, making history by clinching their first Bundesliga title.
Atalanta’s unexpected victory over Leverkusen, shutting them out and netting three goals against Kovar, marked a significant upset in the season.
Leverkusen’s loss in the Europa League final places them among notable league winners who faltered in the same season, echoing past instances in football history.
This defeat also stands as the most significant margin of loss for a German team in a single-game final since the 1960 European Cup, adding to Leverkusen’s disappointment.
