Football

Gian Piero Gasperini, the 66-year-old grandmaster of Italian football, continues to defy expectations with his Atalanta side. Despite limited resources, Atalanta has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, winning the Europa League and reaching the Champions League quarterfinals.Gasperini's success stems from his unwavering belief in attacking football. His teams, often deployed in a fluid 3-4-3 formation, play with a high press, quick combinations, and a relentless pursuit of the ball. This attacking philosophy has earned Atalanta a reputation for entertaining and effective football.Atalanta's Europa League triumph was a testament to Gasperini's tactical acumen. In the final against Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta's slick passing and relentless pressing overwhelmed the German giants. Gasperini's ability to outwit younger managers like Xabi Alonso, who has led Leverkusen to Bundesliga success, highlights his enduring brilliance.Gasperini's success is not limited to the pitch. He has also transformed Atalanta off the field. Under his leadership, the club has renovated its stadium, invested in its academy, and established itself as a financial powerhouse. The club's success has brought a sense of pride and unity to the city of Bergamo.Gasperini's achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has been linked with several top clubs, including Napoli. However, he has remained loyal to Atalanta, a testament to his deep connection with the club and its fans.Gasperini's story is a reminder that success in football is not always about spending the most money. With a clear philosophy, innovative tactics, and a relentless work ethic, even a small club can achieve greatness.

Bayer Leverkusen, fresh off their first loss in nearly a year, face second-division Kaiserslautern in Saturday's German Cup final. The Bundesliga champions were thoroughly outclassed in a 3-0 loss to Atalanta in the Europa League final on Wednesday, their first defeat in any competition since May 2023.Leverkusen's unbeaten run, which broke a 59-year-old record set by Benfica in 1965, was bound to end sometime. However, it was the manner in which they capitulated that will concern manager Xabi Alonso the most. The Germans were outmuscled by a determined Atalanta, with key players Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka having off nights.Winger Jonas Hofmann summed up the club's struggles, lamenting "many mistakes, individual mistakes, bad passes and simple technical errors." He said the performance was "not Bayer-like."Despite the disappointment, beating Kaiserslautern would make Leverkusen just the sixth side in German football history to do the double. Alonso urged his side to "transform our pain into positive energy."Kaiserslautern, despite their run to the final, only played one top-division side in the Cup, beating relegated Cologne. However, striker Ragnar Ache believes Leverkusen's vulnerability after Wednesday's loss could play into their hands."They have a very big squad with high quality players, and they're used to it," Ache said. "But it's still not going to be easy for us. We have to look at ourselves and what we are going to do."Leverkusen will be hoping to make amends for their Europa League disappointment, while Kaiserslautern will be looking to pull off a major upset. The final promises to be a fascinating clash between a wounded giant and a determined underdog.

Atalanta's remarkable journey culminated in a historic triumph as they shattered Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten streak and claimed the Europa League title with a resounding 3-0 victory. Ademola Lookman emerged as the hero, etching his name in the annals of European football with a stunning hat-trick.Lookman's first goal, a clinical finish in the 12th minute, set the tone for Atalanta's dominance. The Nigerian forward, who has found a new lease of life in Bergamo, displayed his predatory instincts, capitalizing on Exequiel Palacios's lapse in concentration.Leverkusen, known for their late fightbacks, found themselves in unfamiliar territory. Their slow start proved costly, and Lookman's second goal, a nutmeg on Granit Xhaka followed by a powerful shot, left them reeling.Xabi Alonso's decision to start without a recognized striker backfired, and the introduction of Victor Boniface at half-time failed to spark a revival. Atalanta's defense, marshaled by Rafael Toloi and Berat Djimsiti, held firm, while their counter-attacking threat remained potent.Lookman completed his hat-trick with another moment of brilliance, skipping past Edmond Tapsoba and unleashing a thunderous left-footed strike into the top corner. The goal sealed Atalanta's triumph and sent their fans into raptures.For Atalanta, this victory represents a culmination of years of hard work and dedication under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini. The club, long overshadowed by AC and Inter Milan, has finally achieved continental glory, proving that financial might is not the only path to success.Leverkusen's unbeaten run, which had stretched to 51 matches, came to an abrupt end. Despite their disappointment, they can take solace in their remarkable season, which saw them secure a first-ever Bundesliga title.

Bayer Leverkusen's pursuit of an unprecedented treble received a significant boost with the return of talismanic midfielder Florian Wirtz to full fitness ahead of Wednesday's Europa League final against Atalanta.Wirtz, a pivotal figure in Leverkusen's maiden Bundesliga title triumph, has been carefully managed in recent weeks by coach Xabi Alonso, who has prioritized his star player's health for this crucial encounter. Despite playing through a muscle injury, Wirtz has remained influential, scoring a hat-trick off the bench in Leverkusen's 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen that clinched the league title.In the subsequent two league matches, Wirtz provided late equalizers against Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart, extending Leverkusen's unbeaten streak. Alonso recognizes Wirtz's exceptional talent, describing him as the club's "only true superstar."At just 21 years old, Wirtz has already amassed 18 goals and 20 assists this season. His performances have drawn comparisons to Ballon d'Or winners, with some German media suggesting he could be a contender this year if Germany performs well at the Euros.Alonso has taken calculated risks with Wirtz despite his injury, bringing him off the bench in the second leg of Leverkusen's Europa League semi-final against Roma. The hosts scored a crucial goal shortly after Wirtz's introduction, extending their unbeaten run to 49 games and breaking a 59-year-old European record."He couldn't run well, he was limping, but he wanted to help the team," Alonso said after the match. "He's still a pretty good player when he's 70 percent fit, but he still needs a bit more time."Wirtz missed the next two league games but returned on Saturday, with Alonso stating that he "feels much better... (and) could play from the start."Leverkusen, who have won only the 1988 Europa League and the 1993 German Cup in their 120-year history, are now on the cusp of an unbeaten treble. They face second-division Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final on Saturday.Atalanta, who lost the Coppa Italia final to Juventus on Wednesday, will be desperate to end their trophy drought. However, they face a Leverkusen side that has shown remarkable resilience and a knack for scoring late goals.Leverkusen have scored 15 goals after the 90-minute mark this season, often snatching victory or a draw from the jaws of defeat. Their relentless ball movement and late surges have proven too much for opponents to handle.In the Europa League knockout rounds, 11 of Leverkusen's 12 goals have come after the 70-minute mark. Alonso remains optimistic about his team's chances, saying after Saturday's win over Augsburg, "With this atmosphere, with this energy, there are reasons to be optimistic -- and to believe."

Atalanta, the unassuming club from Bergamo, stands on the cusp of history as they prepare to face Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday. The Italians aim to become the first team to defeat the newly crowned German champions this season and etch their name in European football folklore.Gian Piero Gasperini's side has already tasted heartbreak this season, losing the Coppa Italia final to Juventus. However, they have a chance to end their 61-year trophy drought in Dublin. Atalanta's remarkable journey to the final has seen them overcome Sporting Lisbon, Liverpool, and Marseille, all teams with illustrious histories and larger fan bases.The Bergamo club has defied expectations under Gasperini, reaching the Champions League four times and establishing themselves as a force in Italian football. Their success is built on a strong connection with their local community and a commitment to attacking football.Star forwards Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca have been instrumental in Atalanta's success this season. De Ketelaere, on loan from AC Milan, has scored 14 goals and provided eight assists, while Scamacca has been a constant threat with his physicality and finishing ability.However, Atalanta will be without key midfielder Marten De Roon due to a hamstring injury. Gasperini has expressed his disappointment at De Roon's absence, calling it a "real loss."Despite the setback, Atalanta remains confident in their ability to overcome Leverkusen. They will rely on the brilliance of De Ketelaere and Scamacca, as well as the potential return of defender Sead Kolasinac.Gasperini, who has lost his previous three finals with Atalanta, is determined to make history in Dublin. He believes that qualifying for the Champions League is the best Atalanta can achieve, but he is eager to see his team perform at their best on Wednesday.Atalanta's journey to the Europa League final has been a testament to their resilience and determination. They have overcome adversity and defied expectations to reach the pinnacle of European football. Now, they stand on the brink of history, ready to write a new chapter in the club's illustrious history.

Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable unbeaten streak continued in dramatic fashion as they secured a 2-2 draw against Roma in the Europa League semifinals, advancing to the final with a 4-2 aggregate victory.Despite trailing 2-0 on the night and 2-2 on aggregate after two Leandro Paredes penalties, Leverkusen refused to give up. An own goal by Roma defender Gianluca Mancini in the 82nd minute gave them hope, and substitute Josip Stanišić's equalizer in the seventh minute of stoppage time sealed their place in the final.Leverkusen's unbeaten run now stands at 49 matches, an incredible feat for Xabi Alonso's team. They have already won the Bundesliga title and reached the German Cup final, making them contenders for a historic treble.Roma, who were without injured star Paulo Dybala, had taken the lead through Paredes' first penalty in the 45th minute. Paredes converted another spot-kick in the 66th minute, putting Roma on the verge of a comeback.However, Leverkusen's resilience shone through as they fought back to preserve their unbeaten record and reach the Europa League final for the first time since 1988. They will face another Italian team, Atalanta, who defeated Marseille 3-0 to advance 4-1 on aggregate.Atalanta's victory marked their first European final appearance, while Olympiakos also made history by becoming only the second Greek team to reach a major European competition final. They will face Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final in Athens on May 29.

Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen, on the cusp of a historic achievement, will face Roma in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final on Thursday. With a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, Leverkusen is poised to extend their unbeaten streak to 49 games, surpassing Benfica's 59-year-old European football record.Leverkusen's remarkable run has already eclipsed Juventus' 43-match unbeaten streak from 2011 to 2012. A victory or even a one-goal loss against Roma would secure their place in the Europa League final in Dublin.The pursuit of an unbeaten season has become a driving force for Leverkusen. Goalkeeper and captain Lukas Hradecky believes it provides "extra motivation" and is a testament to the team's resilience.Despite Alonso's suspension, Leverkusen cruised to a 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, showcasing their depth and determination. They are also through to the German Cup final and have already secured the Bundesliga title.Former Leverkusen coach Rudi Voeller praised Alonso's "brave and adventurous" decision to hire him and highlighted the team's exceptional squad depth. He believes that Leverkusen's ability to strengthen not only their starting lineup but also their reserves is the key to their unbeaten run.Leverkusen is expected to welcome back Florian Wirtz and Alex Grimaldo for the second leg against Roma. Wirtz, a key attacking midfielder, has been instrumental in Leverkusen's Europa League campaign with four goals and four assists.With a near-full-strength squad and the home advantage, Leverkusen is well-positioned to break Benfica's record and continue their pursuit of an unprecedented treble.

Marseille and Atalanta played to a thrilling 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, setting up an intriguing second leg in Bergamo next Thursday.Atalanta, who stunned Liverpool in the quarter-finals, took an early lead through Gianluca Scamacca, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to fire past Pau Lopez. However, Marseille responded swiftly, with Chancel Mbemba unleashing a stunning strike from outside the box to level the scores.The draw leaves the tie finely poised, with Atalanta holding a slight advantage as they seek to reach their first European final. The Italian side has been impressive in this season's competition, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience.Marseille, on the other hand, have been formidable at home, with Paris Saint-Germain being the only visiting team to defeat them at the Velodrome in 90 minutes this season. However, their struggles on the road have been evident, making their semi-final appearance a commendable achievement.Despite the draw, Marseille coach Jean-Louis Gasset expressed some disappointment, believing his team had chances to secure a victory. "I am not completely satisfied because we had two or three chances to win the match 2-1," he said. "But it is only half-time in the tie, and we are going to go and give everything in Italy."Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini was pleased with his team's performance, acknowledging Marseille's strength. "It is a very positive result for us because Marseille were strong," he said. "They have only lost once here all season, and we found out why that is tonight."The second leg in Bergamo promises to be a captivating affair, with both teams aiming to secure a place in the final in Dublin later this month. Atalanta will be favored, but Marseille will be determined to overcome their travel woes and make history.

Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable unbeaten streak continued with a resounding 2-0 victory over Roma in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals. The German club, fresh from their Bundesliga triumph, silenced the Stadio Olimpico crowd with a clinical performance that extended their unbeaten run to 47 matches across all competitions.Leverkusen's dominance was evident from the outset, as they soaked up Roma's early pressure and struck on the counterattack. A failed back pass from Rick Karsdorp allowed Alex Grimaldo to set up Florian Wirtz for the opening goal in the 13th minute.Roma threatened sporadically, but Leverkusen's defense held firm. In the 73rd minute, Robert Andrich sealed the victory with a long-range strike, capitalizing on a moment of hesitation from the Roma defense.The result marked a measure of revenge for Leverkusen, who had been eliminated by Roma at the same stage last season. It also extended their unbeaten streak to a record-breaking length among Europe's top five leagues."We take things game by game and we are not thinking about being unbeaten," said Leverkusen midfielder Amine Adli. "We are not thinking about making history or things like that — that's why we are playing like this and the team is strong. We just want to enjoy ourselves."In the other semifinal, Atalanta and Marseille played out a 1-1 draw in France. Gianluca Scamacca gave Atalanta the lead, but Chancel Mbemba equalized for Marseille.The second legs of both semifinals will be held next Thursday, with the final scheduled for May 22 in Dublin. Leverkusen will be confident of reaching the final, having maintained their unbeaten record throughout the season.