Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen tips and predictions: Thrilling Europa League final to go all the way

Before we enjoy the grandeur of the Champions League final, we have a couple of Mickey Mouse cups to get through.

First up, it’s the Europa League as Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen meet at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

While the neutrals might look at this fixture and shrug their shoulders, its fair to say that for both these clubs, Wednesday’s showpiece could be history-making.

Atalanta, for instance, have only lifted one major trophy in their 116-year history. That came all the way back in 1963 when La Dea claimed the Coppa Italia. 

The Italian outfit are going up against stiff opposition, but they will be encouraged by their own solid run of form.

Atalanta have won seven of their last nine matches across all competitions, only losing once during this time.

That one defeat was a painful one as Gian Piero Gasperini’s men were beaten 1-0 by Juventus in the Coppa Italia final.

Bayer Leverkusen have their own historical achievements to fulfil. Xabi Alonso’s men are two matches away from claiming a historic treble and completing an unprecedented unbeaten season.

The likes of AS Roma, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and even West Ham have all tried and failed to beat Leverkusen this season.

Alonso’s men have won four of their last five matches, scoring 16 goals in the process.

With both teams in good form, we’re backing a close final. The final to be decided by a penalty shoot out is on the cards considering the last three finals finished this way.

In terms of who gets the nod, you have to back the German outfit. Leverkusen are on the brink of a historic achievement and with two games to go, you have to back them to pull it off.

 

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Team news

Atalanta will be missing Marten De Roon and Sead Kolasinac for the final in Dublin.

Leverkusen, meanwhile, have a fully fit squad at their disposal. 

 

Key stats

- Last three Europa League finals have gone to a penalty shoot out

- Bayer Leverkusen are yet to lose a single match this season

- Atalanta have won seven of their last nine matches across all competitions

- Bayer Leverkusen have scored 16 goals in their last five matches

 

Suggested bets

Final to go to penalties

Bayer Leverkusen to win

Both teams to score