The UEFA Europa League final between Atalanta BC and Bayer Leverkusen promised to be a tactical masterclass, showcasing the strategic brilliance of two of Europe’s most intriguing teams.
This tactical analysis will delve into the key elements that have determined the outcome of this highly anticipated clash.
Atalanta, under the experienced guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, have demonstrated a potent mix of attacking flair and defensive solidity in their UEFA Europa League campaign.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen, led by the emerging coaching talent Xabi Alonso, have impressed with their dynamic style and tactical versatility this season.
This analysis explores the strategies and formations employed by both teams, highlighting the tactical nuances that were used in the final.
Join us as we break down the tactics, analyse the formations, and look back to the game-changers in this epic encounter.
This tactical analysis provides a comprehensive overview of what to happened when Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen faced off in the UEFA Europa League final 2024.
Atalanta BC Vs Bayer Leverkusen Lineups
Both Atalanta BC and Bayer Leverkusen approach the UEFA Europa League final with theoretically similar formations, but their playing styles differ significantly.
Also known as La Dea, Atalanta were making their first appearance in a UEFA final.
They recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Juventus in the Coppa Italia Final.
However, Gianluca Scamacca, who was suspended for that match, returned for the Europa League final alongside Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman, with Teun Koopmeiners dropping into a deeper midfield role.
Marten de Roon and Emil Holm were unavailable, and Rafael Toloi wasn’t fully fit.
Musso Kolasinac, Hien, Djimsiti Ruggeri, Koopmeiners, Éderson, Zappacosta Lookman, De Ketelaere Scamacca
Leverkusen were riding high after securing their first Bundesliga title and aiming for a treble, with the German Cup final against Kaiserslautern still to come.
They have set a new European club record with an unbeaten streak of 51 competitive matches.
Their resilience was on display when they recovered from a 2-0 deficit to draw 2-2 with Roma in the semi-final second leg.
For the final, they continued with a False 9 strategy, leaving Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick on the bench.
The experienced Granit Xhaka would orchestrate the midfield, while Jeremie Frimpong’s speed was planned to pose a significant threat on the right flank.
Kovár Hincapié, Tah, Tapsoba Grimaldo, Xhaka, Palacios, Stanisic Wirtz, Frimpong Adli
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This tactical setup of two 3-4-2-1 formations promised a fascinating clash, with Atalantas structured yet dynamic approach facing off against Leverkusens high-paced, adaptable play.
Atalanta’s man-to-man approach
In the UEFA Europa League final, Atalanta BCs man-to-man defending strategy proved to be a decisive factor in their victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
As anticipated, Atalanta mirrored Leverkusens formation but impleme
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