Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso praised his team’s “exceptional” unbeaten record but said it hurts that they ended up in the Europa League final.
The German team has been one of the stories of the season, with 51 games without defeat and also winning the Bundesliga.
But their hopes of ending a long wait for European glory were dashed on Wednesday night when they lost 3-0 to Italians Atalanta at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
It was their first defeat since May 27 last year and although Alonso was proud of his team’s achievements last year, he said defeat in the Europa League final was difficult to take.
“Atalanta were better than us and deserve the trophy,” said the former Liverpool midfielder.
“It wasn’t our day. We had a bad night. It hurts that this happened in such an important match.”
He added: “Normal is not suffering your first defeat in the 52nd game. What we achieved is exceptional and we should be proud. But it is painful.”
Treble hopes are over, but focus shifts to another trophy
Leverkusen maintained their unbeaten run with incredible last-minute heroics, but that was never an option against an Atalanta side who were in control from the start.
Ademola Lookman scored three goals to secure the Italian club’s first trophy for 61 years and end Leverkusen’s hopes of finishing the season unbeaten, as well as winning a treble of trophies.
“We weren’t able to play how we wanted,” added Alonso.
“After the first goal they showed a lot of energy and we couldn’t find solutions to counter that.
“We couldn’t impose ourselves or create scoring opportunities.”
Leverkusen need to dust themselves off and refocus to ensure they end a memorable campaign with a second trophy.
On Saturday, they face second division side Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final as they look to complete the domestic double.
“To achieve what we achieved for a club like Leverkusen is great,” Alonso added to TNT Sports.
“Being in the last week of the season after lifting the Bundesliga and playing [the Europa League final]We didn’t make it, but then we go to the Pokal [German Cup] It also means a lot.”
