I think both Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta were all well prepared for the UEFA Europa League competition but one thing I think was certain was that the Italian club was more determined and focused than their German opponents and that was why they won the final the expense of Bayer Leverkusen. Bayer Leverkusen having not lost a single game in all competitions before that final were very relaxed and probably convinced that they were surely going to win the game but unfortunately for them, the Italian team had another plan.
Whenever a team is playing in the final of such important competition, it's a not a god idea to underrate the strength of your opponents because I personally think Bayer Leverkusen underrated Atalanta because of Leverkusen's unbeaten run before the final but were met with an energetic team that fought till the final to make sure Leverkusen doesn't find the back of the net
The final match often gives us surprises with results that are different from the expected expectations, Leverkusen who this season has been impressive is of course everyone favorite in betting on their victory in the Europa League finals, but Atlanta who has been the underdog throughout the competition and in every match has been able to give Leverkusen its first defeat while breaking Leverkusen unbeaten record this season,the final match is of course the most crucial match for each team so it will indeed increase their motivation and also their performance to be able to end the match with a victory and trophy, so that is why every team that enters the final cannot be underestimated even though indeed their quality and performance have been inversely proportional so far in the league.
Atlanta, which is considered an underdog team, actually came by showing that determination and focus can be very influential in the final match, so I think Leverkusen did not expect that their game tactics could be easily broken by Atlanta in the match, I think indeed with their unbeaten record so far, of course Leverkusen has a fairly high belief that they can beat Atlanta with easy, so that indeed Atlanta is even more motivated to Destroying Leverkusen pride and arrogance in the final match.