Leverkusen Coach Alonso Chooses Palacios Over Andrich for Europa League Final
23.05.2024: In a pivotal decision for the Europa League final against Atalanta on Wednesday, Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has opted to start Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios instead of Robert Andrich.
Andrich, who made his debut for the Germany national team at the age of 29 this season, had been a regular starter in Leverkusen’s journey to the final. However, Alonso chose Palacios, a member of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, for this crucial match.
Leverkusen’s Remarkable Season
Leverkusen, the new German champions, aim to extend their impressive unbeaten streak to 52 games. This final is a significant part of their season, with only the domestic cup final remaining on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Lineups
Both teams will rely on their regular Europa League goalkeepers, who play less frequently in domestic league matches. Matěj Kovář will start for Leverkusen, while Juan Musso will be between the posts for Atalanta.
Team Formations
Alonso and Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini have both chosen to deploy their teams in their favored 3-4-3 formations. Atalanta, designated as the home team, will don their traditional blue and black striped jerseys. Leverkusen, switching from their usual black and red, will play in pale grey.
Atalanta’s First European Final
This match marks Atalanta’s first appearance in a European final. The Italian club is striving for its inaugural European title. In contrast, Leverkusen has a history of success in European competitions, having won the 1988 UEFA Cup, the predecessor to the Europa League, and finishing as the beaten finalist in the 2002 Champions League.
Starting Lineups
Atalanta:
- Goalkeeper: Juan Musso
- Defenders: Berat Djimsiti, Isak Hien, Sead Kolašinac
- Midfielders: Daide Zappacosta, Ederson, Teun Koopmeiners, Matteo Ruggeri
- Forwards: Charles de Ketelaere, Ademola Lookman, Gianluca Scamacca
Bayer Leverkusen:
- Goalkeeper: Matěj Kovář
- Defenders: Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, Josip Stanišić
- Midfielders: Jeremie Frimpong, Exequiel Palacios, Granit Xhaka, Piero Hincapié
- Forwards: Florian Wirtz, Álex Grimaldo, Amine Adli
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Source – News18