Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta they face in the grand final of the UEFA Europa League 2023/2024. The Italians already took the first lead in the opening minutes of the match being played in Dublin and can be enjoyed live on Star+ (for South America).
The German team started surprising from their tactical standstill. Xabi Alonso made name changes but maintained his 3-4-2-1 system. The surprise was the entry of Stanisic, in the right lane, and the departure of Boniface from the center of the attack. The change forced Frimpong to advance, from the wing to the offensive midfield, and Adli from that area to the center of the attack as an offensive reference.
In the first minutes the game was frenetic and highly contested. Both tried to take control of the game and impose conditions on their rival. In that fight, Gasperini’s Atalanta took advantage of some defensive imbalances from a somewhat nervous Leverkusen and had the first dangerous actions, especially with dead balls. The Italians were better and confirmed it early with great efficiency.
Lookman, the figure of Atalanta against Leverkusen in the Europa League
At 11 minutes, Atalanta scored. He went deep on the right wing with Zappacosta. The center crossed the entire area until Lookman, who entered from the left, anticipated the Argentine Exequiel Palacios who did not register his presence, and pushed into the empty goal. First clear arrival and first goal for the Italians.
There was no room for German reaction. Later, The Nigerian converted again. He took a loose ball at the gate of the area, faced the Swiss Xhaka, hit him with a shot and lined up to shoot from the crescent. Lookman’s shot He traveled with power to Kovar’s left post. A great goal to confirm Atalanta’s supremacy over Leverkusen at the start of the final.
This double by the Nigerian equals the goals he had scored in this tournament with Atalanta. He now has 4 in this Europa League. With 2-0, Atalanta is close to the Europa League and is one step closer to its first European title.
