Bayer Leverkusen were the heavy favourites and main event for many heading into this Europa League final. Their former nickname of “Neverkusen”, borne out of the club’s habit of missing out on silverware, had evolved into “Neverlusen” after a run of 51 games unbeaten. Just two finals separated Xabi Alonso’s side from an entire season undefeated: Atalanta in the Europa League and second-tier Kaiserslautern in the German Cup.
Perhaps it’s fitting that Atalanta are nicknamed La Dea – the Goddess – as many felt that they would need divine intervention to overcome this challenge. Their only major trophy had been the Coppa Italia in 1962-63, but that very competition had caused plenty of recent heartbreak with three final defeats in the last six seasons. The most recent of those had come just a week before this final in Dublin, when Dusan Vlahovic’s fourth-minute goal gave Juventus the win.
Even so, La Dea had come through every tough scenario they had faced in the Europa League with aplomb. They topped a group containing Sporting, Sturm Graz and Rakow Czestochowa undefeated. The 2-1 victory and 1-1 draw against Ruben Amorim’s Portuguese champions were repeated when they met again in the round of 16.
They then shocked Anfield – ending Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of winning the Europa League as part of his Liverpool farewell – with a stunning 3-0 victory, making the 1-0 defeat in the return leg inconsequential.
This story is from the July 2024 edition of World Soccer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2024 edition of World Soccer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Going for Gold in Paris- There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer
There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer
Face to face - Tom Sainfiet- The final goal is to reach the World Cup and write history - The Belgian coach speaks to World Soccer
The well-travelled Belgian coach speaks to World Soccer after taking charge of the Philippines-his 11th international coaching role
Inter cruise to title number 20
Simone Inzaghi's Internazionale shrug off all challengers before sealing the Serie A title in style against their biggest rivals
HAT-TRICK HERO
Ademola Lookman wrote his name into European football's history books with a hat-trick in the Europa League final
GOING UP
The story of Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres' career has been one of upward trajectory - and there's plenty more to come from the Sporting superstar
Palau soldier on alone
The isolated Pacific nation faces a long and lonely battle to improve football on the island
Brazilian clubs eye Copa number six
As the Copa Libertadores group stage concludes, a sixth consecutive Brazilian winner is looking likely
AI Hilal sweep to another Saudi crown
The first edition of the Saudi Pro League's glamorous new era ends with a familiar title winner
Disasters brewing
There is still a long way to go in World Cup qualifying, but dysfunction reigns at Cameroon, Congo and Nigeria after four matchdays in the group stage
Second round of World Cup qualifying underway
Favourites perform largely as expected, yet Cayman Islands dominate the headlines
