The Europa League final pits Italian side Atalanta against German club Bayer Leverkusen, with both teams unveiling their starting lineups in advance of the decisive clash. This international showdown brings together strong tactical minds and an array of attacking talents eager to claim European glory on the big stage.
Atalanta’s XI features Musso in goal, supported by a back line including Gimsiti, Jin, Scalvini, and Zappacosta. In midfield, Pasalic and De Ketelare link play with Scamacca providing forward thrust, while Ruggeri and Copmeyners offer creative and defensive balance. Ederson completes the lineup in a configuration designed to press high, recover quickly, and convert chances into a favorable result for Bergamo.
Bayer Leverkusen lines up with Kovar between the posts, a back four anchored by Ta, Tapsoba, Frimpong, and Grimaldo. In midfield, Xhaka and Wirtz orchestrate tempo, Hofmann stretches the play, and Schick anchors the attack alongside Grimaldo and Incapie. Andrich adds grit and experience, rounding out a balanced setup prepared to exploit transitions and set-pieces in pursuit of European triumph.
Among the traveling squad, Russian international Alexey Miranchuk is named among the substitutes for Atalanta, offering versatility and a potential spark from the bench should the match demand fresh energy or a tactical tweak. His presence on the bench reflects the depth of the Italian side as they prepare to respond to Bayer’s challenges across 90 minutes and possibly extra time.
In the semi-finals, Atalanta advanced by defeating Marseille over two legs. The Italian squad hosted the French club in the decisive leg and produced a dominant performance, sealing a 3-0 victory. Ademola Lookman opened the scoring in the 30th minute, Matteo Ruggeri doubled the lead just before halftime, and El Bilal Touré added the clinching goal in the early stages of stoppage time, delivering a statement win that underscored Atalanta’s offensive versatility and resilience.
Bayer clinched their place in the final by overcoming Roma in the semi-finals. The first leg finished 2-0 in favor of Bayer, establishing early control. The second leg ended in a 2-2 draw, allowing Bayer to advance on aggregate while showcasing their ability to manage results in high-pressure European knockout football.
The much-anticipated clash between Atalanta and Bayer is scheduled for May 22, with kickoff set for 22:00 Moscow time. Fans in Canada and the United States can expect a tightly contested duel featuring fast counterattacks, disciplined defending, and moments of individual brilliance as both sides chase continental glory on the grand European stage.
Historically, the presence of players like Miranchuk has added a unique narrative thread to this era of Russian football, and his potential involvement off the bench has been a talking point for supporters and analysts alike as the match approaches, illustrating how personnel depth and international experience can influence the outcome of a dramatic finale.