After going 51 games without a loss, Bayer Leverkusen are facing a big test to keep their unbeaten run going this season and win their second trophy of the season as they take on Italian side Atalanta on Wednesday night in Dublin.
Xavi Alonso’s side recently completed their Bundesliga campaign in which they didn’t lose a single match, and topped it off with a win over Augsburg at the weekend.
They are now looking to win their second European trophy, with their last one coming in 1988 when they won the UEFA Cup. If Leverkusen were to win the Europa League, they will then be just one win away from completing a treble as they will take on second division side Kaiserslautern in the DFB Pokal three days later.
Atalanta recently finished their Serie A campaign in by finishing in 5th place.
They also recently suffered defeat in the Coppa Italia final in which a 4th minute goal from Dusan Vlahovic secured the win for Juventus.
The Italian side have had an impressive Europa League campaign after finishing top their group, eliminating Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon, defeating Liverpool and then beating Marseille in the semi final.
They now have the chance to become the first Serie A side to win the Europa League.
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Xabi Alonso looks set to have a fully fit squad, with plenty of quality to choose from.
Granit Xhaka and Piero Hincape are set to be recalled back to the team and Alonso has a decision whether to start with Victor Boniface or Patrik Schick up front.
As for Atalanta, they look set to be without Emil Holm who is suffering with a calf injury and also Marten De Roon who will be missing due to picking up a thigh strain in the Coppa Italia final recently.
Defenders Rafael Toloi and Sead Kolasinac are also doubts for the game.
GGFN | Matthew Gritton