Russian coach Igor Shalimov said that the Italian club Atalanta left Bayer no space to breathe in the Europa League final, a claim he shared after the clash in Dublin. He told Match TV that the Bergamo team pressed relentlessly, denying its German opponent any momentum and breaking the flow of the game from the first whistle. Fans watching from North America and beyond could sense the intensity as the final unfolded, with Atalanta proving why they are a force to be reckoned with on the continental stage.
Commenting on the difficulty of facing Atalanta, Shalimov noted that the Italian side’s relentless pressing and tireless running made it hard for Bayer to find any rhythm. He added that Atalanta claimed European glory for the first time in their history, a landmark achievement that crowned a season built on high-intensity football and disciplined structure. His assessment underscores how the Italian squad converted pressure into decisive moments that sealed the result in their favor.
The match, held in Dublin, concluded with a 3-0 scoreline, signaling a one-sided final that emphasized the hosts’ dominance on the night. The outcome echoed the belief held by many analysts that Atalanta’s tactical approach could turn high-stakes games into controlled performances, especially when the tempo is driven and the defense stays compact.
Among the standout performers, Ademola Lookman delivered a memorable hat-trick, stamping his mark on a European final and showcasing his goal-scoring instinct at the highest level. Meanwhile, Russian winger Alexey Miranchuk started on the bench, illustrating the depth Atalanta possessed in their squad and the strategic choices available to the coach for such a high-profile fixture. These selections highlight how strategic rotation can coexist with peak performance in big knockout ties.
The final was broadcast through various outlets, with ongoing live handling and analysis contributing to a global narrative around the game. The coverage reflected the growing appetite for European competition among fans in North America who follow the sport closely and seek top-tier showdowns between premier clubs. The broadcast also provided a platform to celebrate Atalanta’s breakthrough victory and its implications for the club’s legacy in European football.
With this win, Atalanta secured its first European Cup in club history. In domestic competition, the Bergamo side finished fifth in the Italian Serie A this season and were edged by Juventus in the Coppa Italia, illustrating that their European success came on the heels of strong domestic performances that underscored their rising prominence in Italian football. The victory adds to a narrative of growth and ambition that resonates with fans in Canada, the United States, and beyond, who have watched Atalanta emerge as a bold, forward-thinking team in European football.
Bayer Leverkusen, the German champions for the 2023/24 season, will turn their attention to the German Cup final, where they are set to meet Kaiserslautern on May 25. The showdown promises a late-season test for Bayer as they seek silverware in a campaign that culminates in two major finals. The pairing also highlights the endurance and consistency required to navigate domestic and European competitions in parallel schedules that modern clubs must manage.
Previously, Alexey Miranchuk shared a photograph with the Europa League Cup, a moment that captured the aspirational mood around Atalanta’s European journey and the club’s growing trophy cabinet. His post underscored the connection between the players and the fans who follow every twist in the Europa League narrative, particularly those in North America who tune in for the excitement of knockout football and the thrill of a trophy triumph.