An Atalanta that was underestimated in every aspect compared to Leverkusen unexpectedly played a match that crushed the opponent to the point of suffocation.
They scored three goals against their opponents to convincingly win the championship.
Leverkusen chose a passive style of play and paid the price.
In fact, if we look back at Atalanta's journey to the final of a European Cup for the first time, we wouldn't be too surprised by the team's performance.
Atalanta defeated the “giant” Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in the first leg of the quarter-finals. The army of “godfather” Gian Pierro Gasperini continued to defeat another “big guy” Olympique Marseille with the same score of 3-0 in the second leg of the semi-finals...
Ademola Lookman (11) opened the scoring
Winning to claim their first title, winning to return to the Champions League and winning to make a name for a team that has only been professional for 13 years, Atalanta entered the game with great confidence.
In contrast to the Italian side, Leverkusen were too cautious in their approach to the game, seemingly focusing only on defense with the goal of not conceding goals rather than scoring.
Leverkusen stunned by early loss
The situation on the pitch quickly showed the effectiveness of the tactics applied by both sides. Atalanta created an overwhelming game and opened the scoring in the 12th minute thanks to Ademola Lookman.
It was a situation where Leverkusen's defense made repeated mistakes and was punished too easily.
Lookman scored the second goal.
Two goals conceded in less than 30 minutes destroyed the will of the Leverkusen players who had been on a 51-match unbeaten streak since the beginning of the season in all competitions.
... then the third table
In a day of sublime competition, in the 75th minute, Lookman had a powerful dribble and shot, increasing the gap to 3-0 for Atalanta.
The Nigerian international's hat-trick completely overwhelmed Leverkusen, ending the Bundesliga champions' unbeaten streak and their treble dream.
Coach Gasperini was happy with his students when the match continued.
Xabi Alonso and Leverkusen's sadness
Winning 3-0 against Leverkusen, Atalanta won the Europa League for the first time. This is the first title that this team has won in 61 years since winning the Italian National Cup in the 1962-1963 season.
Coach Gasperini's team will qualify for next season's Champions League, waiting to compete in the European Super Cup with the Champions League champion.
Atalanta won a European Cup for the first time in more than 100 years
Dong Linh - Photo: Reuters
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