When it comes to facing Atalanta Bergamo, Bayer Leverkusen’s opponent in the final, Pep Guardiola once compared it to a visit to the dentist – not the most pleasant experience. The team, led by coach Gian Piero Gasperini since 2016, is appearing in their first-ever European cup final after suffering a 0-1 defeat against Juventus Turin in the recent Cup final. Described by coach Xabi Alonso as one of the toughest teams in Europe, Atalanta is known for their physicality and strong gameplay.
Sporting director Simon Rolfes further emphasized Atalanta’s quality, highlighting them as a top team that is extremely physical. The Serie A’s fifth-placed team is praised for their strong technical abilities and endurance on the field. Players like Patrik Schick have noted the intense pressure Atalanta puts on their opponents, leaving little room to maneuver and constantly challenging them.
As the final showdown in Dublin unfolds tonight (follow the final live at 9 p.m. here), it remains to be seen whether Atalanta’s reputation for tough gameplay will hold true on the pitch. With both teams vying for victory, fans can expect an intense and exciting match to determine the ultimate champion.
