Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 22/05/2024

Odds via Tonybet

Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen. Shape of the Teams

The time has come for the most important game of the season: the Europa League final. The UEL usually does not garner much attention, but this season has been different, featuring surprises like Liverpool’s elimination by Atalanta and the unbeaten run of favourites Leverkusen. 

Led by Xabi Alonso, the Werkself has just wrapped up the Bundesliga undefeated, setting an absolute record. The Germans aim to break more records by remaining undefeated and winning the final, which would mean not losing a single game throughout the season. A treble is possible if Leverkusen wins the DFB Pokal final against Kaiserslautern on Saturday.

Atalanta’s season may not be as impressive as Leverkusen’s, but knocking Liverpool out at Anfield is no small feat. In Serie A, they have performed fairly well, ranking just below Juventus in fifth place. In Europe, they qualified for the final by defeating Marseille in a logical victory. Atalanta is known for being a tough team, but will it be enough to overcome Leverkusen?

The Italians will have to do without De Roon, who is heartbroken due to his injury. While a potential upset is not out of the question, Atalanta will need to summon the spirit they have shown throughout the competition. 

They have only suffered a few losses in recent games, one of which was a narrow 1-0 loss to Juventus.

Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen Main Match Info

• Date and Kickoff Time: Wednesday, 21 May, 3:00 PM EDT
• Stadium: Avida Stadium
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Last match: Bayer Leverkusen vs Atalanta: 0-1 (March 17, 2022, Europa League)

Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen, Prediction, Odds

• Pick: Bayer Leverkusen to win
• Odds: -121 (Tonybet)

No team has defeated Leverkusen this season. Despite Atalanta winning the double encounter against the Germans two years ago, the situations are not comparable anymore. 

In the Europa League, Bayer Leverkusen often seemed on the brink of their first defeat of the season. However, teams like AS Roma learned the hard way that the Werkself have too many resources to not salvage points in the dying moments of the game.

Atalanta is far from being a defensive team, meaning that the game is unlikely to remain goalless. Atalanta’s wide triangulations and their stars, including the young Scamacca and Koopmeiners, often create a fluid brand of football. However, in many ways, Leverkusen is an enhanced version of this style. 

With Atalanta’s wings often unprotected, this could be the perfect stage for Alejandro Grimaldo to shine. Depending on the team’s needs, the Spaniard frequently acts as an additional forward or a supplementary midfielder. He represents Xabi Alonso’s flexibility best, aiding Xhaka. 

Another obvious threat to Atalanta is Florian Wirtz. Winner of the Player Of The Year award, Wirtz returned from injury without missing a beat and is considered one of the best young players on the planet. His attacking flair, facilitated by the movements of Xhaka and Andrich, will be of major concern for Atalanta’s backline. 

For Atalanta, this either means pushing up or forcing the game into chaos. However, Xabi Alonso’s team is adept at sustaining pressure, a scenario unfamiliar to the Italians, who rarely defend deep for prolonged periods.

Interestingly enough, both teams employ a three-at-the-back formation, but their attacking dynamics differ. In this context, Charles de Ketelaere could be the player to threaten Leverkusen’s backline, playing behind Scamacca and Lookman. 

Nonetheless, Atalanta must be cautious with the space between their center-backs. Throughout the season, it has been a source of worry and opportunities for opponents – Leverkusen could exploit this, especially with Schick leading the line.

Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen Betting Tip

• Pick: Leverkusen to open the score
• Odds: -170 (Tonybet) 

Nobody has ever cracked the Leverkusen puzzle this season, but Atalanta surprised the world when it sent Liverpool packing. They might not be at their peak, but they undoubtedly deserve their spot in the final.

Leverkusen, on the other hand, is more prepared than ever. Only one game stands between them and a double, and two for a historic treble. Rarely has the Europa League seen such a clear favourite – but given their unique run, it is hard to argue otherwise 

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.

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