Leverkusen Not Fixated On Unbeaten Record Before Europa League Defeat, Says Xhaka

Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten streak came to an end in the Europa League final against Atalanta, leaving midfielder Granit Xhaka visibly frustrated. Despite their impressive run, Leverkusen succumbed to a 3-0 defeat, with Ademola Lookman scoring a hat-trick for Gian Piero Gasperini's side. This victory marked Atalanta's first title in 61 years, their last being the Coppa Italia.

Leverkusen had not lost a match since their final game of the previous season against Bochum. However, Xhaka revealed that maintaining their unbeaten record was not a priority for the team. "Honestly, we're not interested in the unbeaten record," Xhaka told RTL. "It's about the game and unfortunately we lost a final today. That's football."

Leverkusen's unbeaten streak spanned nine months and 51 games, beginning with a DFB-Pokal win over Teutonia Ottensen in mid-August 2023. Under Xabi Alonso's leadership, the team won 42 matches and drew nine, scoring 143 goals and conceding just 39. This run helped them secure their first Bundesliga title in history.

Despite their dominance, few expected Gasperini's Atalanta to shut out Leverkusen and score three goals against goalkeeper Matej Kovar. This defeat makes Leverkusen the first league-title winners to lose the UEFA Cup/Europa League final in the same season since Benfica in 2013-14, and the first German side to do so since Borussia Dortmund in 2001-02.

The margin of defeat was also significant, marking the biggest loss for a German team in a single-game final since Eintracht Frankfurt's 7-3 defeat to Real Madrid in the 1960 European Cup. This perhaps explains Xhaka's frustration after the match.

Leverkusen will now focus on bouncing back as they prepare for the DFB-Pokal final on Saturday. Despite the setback, Xhaka remains optimistic about their chances. "Heads up #Werkself. We are proud of you and we will go again on Saturday," he tweeted.

The team's journey this season has been remarkable, but their focus now shifts to securing a domestic double. The upcoming DFB-Pokal final presents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to end the season on a high note.

The Europa League final loss is undoubtedly a setback for Leverkusen, but it also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football. As they prepare for their next challenge, the team will look to learn from this experience and come back stronger.

The DFB-Pokal final offers an immediate chance for redemption, and fans will be eager to see how Leverkusen responds. With Xabi Alonso at the helm, there is still much to look forward to as they aim to cap off an otherwise successful season with another trophy.