Football

They were better – Xabi Alonso after Bayer Leverkusen’s winning streak ends

Bayern Leverkusen were on a roll as they were unbeaten for 51 consecutive matches. However, their winning streak was snapped by Atalanta in the Europa League final as they suffered a 3-0 loss. 

The Bundes Liga champions have ticked all the right boxes in the ongoing season but they ran out of gas against Atalanta. Ademoda Lookman scored a fine hat-trick at the Aviva Stadium as he found the back of the net in the 12th, 26th, and 75th minute.

Atalanta only had 33% possession but took 10 shots on goal, seven of which were on target. 

“It wasn’t lost in terms of attitude, it was a football thing,” Alonso said. “It happens, it’s football, today wasn’t meant to be. They were better.

“It’s our first defeat of the season so it will be a test as to how we deal with it because we have a big game on Saturday. Normally it [first defeat] happens earlier in the season, but when it happens in such a big game, it hurts. But we have to use this pain in a positive way — it’s football, the normality is not to lose the first game in the 52nd game.

“It’s exceptional what we have done. Today is painful, but it is deserved as well.”

Meanwhile, Atalanta’s head coach Gian Piero Gasperin was delighted with the way his team dominated the contest. Earlier in the season, they had also stunned Liverpool.

“I think we wrote history, also for the way we won it,” Gasperini said. “It was just extraordinary. We defeated Liverpool, Sporting [Lisbon] who won the championship. When we faced Liverpool, they were first in the Premier League. And now the German champions. Incredible. The boys were extraordinary, a memorable performance.”

With this loss, Bayern Leverkusen’s hopes of winning the treble also ended. Alonso’s team will take on FCK in the DFB Pokal final on Saturday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

T20 World Cup 2024: Hardik Pandya can do what Yuvraj Singh did in 2011 – Sreesanth

Former Indian fast bowler S. Sreesanth reckons Hardik Pandya can replicate Yuvraj Singh’s performances of… Read More

June 26, 2024

T20 World Cup 2024: Be aggressive – Adam Gilchrist hails Rohit Sharma for leading from the front

Former Australian wicket-keeper bat Adam Gilchrist has lauded Rohit Sharma for leading from the front… Read More

June 26, 2024

T20 World Cup 2024: Afghanistan not in semi-finals to compete, here to win, says Jonathan Trott

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott has said that his team is not in the semifinal… Read More

June 26, 2024

If South Africa beat Afghanistan in semis, they will win T20 World Cup: Brad Hogg

Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has predicted that South Africa could go on to win… Read More

June 26, 2024

Badminton Association of India announces squad for Badminton Asia Junior Championships

The Badminton Association of India has announced an 18-member team for the Badminton Asia Junior… Read More

June 26, 2024

Mumbai City FC Signs French Midfielder Jeremy Manzorro on Free Transfer

Mumbai City FC has completed the signing of French midfielder Jeremy Manzorro on a free… Read More

June 26, 2024