2023-24 UEFA Europa League Final Preview

Atalanta meet Bayer Leverkusen at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League Final. 

Victory would see Atalanta claim their maiden title across all UEFA competitions, whilst Leverkusen seek their second title in this competition – having won in 1988 when formerly known as UEFA Cup.

 

Team News

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Sead Kolasinac is a doubt for Atalanta after he missed their Serie A win over Lecce.

Marten De Roon (thigh), Emil Holm (calf) and Rafael Toloi (fitness) are doubtful for selection.

Bayer Leverkusen have no fresh injury concerns to report after their Bundesliga win over Augsburg.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Atalanta face Bayer Leverkusen at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Wednesday 22 May at 8pm IST, live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Atalanta have won their two previous meetings against Bayer Leverkusen (W2), which in a pair of Round of 16 wins in 2021-22 edition of this competition.
• Bayer Leverkusen are meeting Atalanta at a neutral venue for the first time.
• This is Atalanta’s first-ever appearance in the final of any UEFA competition.
• Four of Gianluca Scamacca’ six Europa League goals for Atalanta this season were scored on their travels.
• Patrik Schick and Victor Boniface are joint-top goalscorers for Leverkusen in this season’s Europa League – having both scored five goals apiece.

 

Prediction

Although this is Atalanta’s first European final, they certainly can’t be underestimated after beating top teams like Sporting CP, Liverpool and Marseille but they will need to vary their play more than focus on targeting the flanks if want any chance of victory.

Leverkusen meanwhile never know when they’re beaten as has been the case in recent weeks despite some sloppy defensive play at times, so I do expect them to really show their grit and attacking flair here even if they concede first.

Put it this way, we are in for an interesting game because Atalanta’s attacking press and wide play could be an issue but Leverkusen should have the pace and counter-attack to punish their high-line defence, which could make for an open game but the Bundesliga champions should win this.

Prediction: Atalanta 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen