Special correspondent Ke Xin from Global Times: The Europa League final of the season concluded on the 22nd, with Atalanta defeating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0. This marks their first-ever Europa League championship and their maiden European title. According to the Italian newspaper Milan Sports, Atalanta made history by breaking Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak this season, potentially securing six Champions League spots for Serie A in the next season.
Europa League Final 23/24: Atalanta 3-0 Bayer Leverkusen, Club’s First European Title
Before this match, Bayer Leverkusen remained undefeated this season, exiting 51 matches with a flawless record, securing their first-ever Bundesliga title with 28 wins and 6 draws. However, in the Europa League final, Bayer Leverkusen encountered their toughest challenge of the season. Atalanta forward Lukman emerged as the shining star of the night, scoring a hat-trick single-handedly. Lukman became the second player in Europa League history (including the predecessor UEFA Cup) to score a hat-trick in the final and the ninth player in European competition history.
After the match, Lukman admitted, “This is one of the best nights of my life. The team’s performance was amazing, and we did it, which is fantastic.” Atalanta president Percassi said, “What happened tonight is unbelievable; it’s a dream come true. Atalanta has made history.” At the age of 66 years and 117 days, Atalanta coach Gasperini became the oldest coach to win a European trophy in his first final. He emphasized after the victory that the team eliminated Sporting Lisbon and Liverpool on their way to the final: “We replicated our previous performances. The former won the Portuguese league, and when we faced Liverpool, they were at the top of the Premier League. Now, we have defeated Bayer Leverkusen, who dominate the Bundesliga.”
Some British media outlets suggest that if Atalanta finishes fifth in Serie A this season, then the sixth-placed team will qualify for the Champions League next season. This would make Italy the first country in Champions League history to have six clubs participating. If Atalanta finishes even higher than fifth, Serie A will secure five Champions League spots.