Xabi Alonso Eyes Undefeated Treble as Leverkusen Chase Europa League Glory

Image Source: Xabi Alonso

Published by Everything ZA News

DUBLIN, Ireland – Xabi Alonso, the former Spanish midfield maestro, is on the cusp of etching his name into Bayer Leverkusen folklore. His tenacious squad, undefeated in an astonishing 51 games, stands two victories away from an unprecedented treble – the Bundesliga title, the Europa League trophy, and an unbeaten season for the ages.

Alonso, a decorated player with spells at Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, has seamlessly transitioned into a managerial mastermind. In his first season at the helm, Leverkusen’s European dream was extinguished by Roma in the Europa League semi-finals. That disappointment, Alonso reveals, has fueled a relentless pursuit of redemption.

“We’ve used that disappointment as motivation,” Alonso said. “We took that next step, and here we are.”

Leverkusen’s Bundesliga triumph was a historic first for the club. Now, they set their sights on conquering Atalanta in the Europa League final, aiming to secure the trophy for only the second time in their history. Their sole European triumph came in 1988, when the competition was known as the UEFA Cup.

Alonso’s unwavering belief in his squad is palpable. “This year, we’ve made the right decisions, and the pieces have come together perfectly,” he declared. “The chemistry in the locker room is fantastic, and the mentality they’ve shown all year is inspiring. We’re all enjoying this incredible journey.”

Atalanta’s manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, lauded Alonso’s decision to stay with Leverkusen despite reported interest from his former clubs, Liverpool and Bayern Munich. “It’s a great example in football,” Gasperini said. “Leverkusen believed in him when he wasn’t highly-rated, and he’s repaid that faith in spades.”

Atalanta themselves are no strangers to success. They secured a Champions League berth by finishing fifth in Serie A, boasting the second-best record in the league since the new year behind only champions Inter Milan. Their road to the final included impressive victories over European giants Liverpool and Sporting Lisbon, leaving them fearless in the face of Leverkusen’s juggernaut.

“We respect Leverkusen immensely,” Gasperini acknowledged. “Their record speaks for itself. But we’ve faced strong teams before, and we have the self-belief to overcome this challenge. We need to be solid defensively, but finals are about taking your chances when they come.”

The stage is set for an epic encounter in Dublin. Can Leverkusen complete their historic treble under Alonso’s shrewd guidance? Or will Atalanta pull off another upset and claim their first major European trophy? The Europa League final promises to be a thrilling display of tactical prowess and unwavering determination.