Völler comforts Leverkusen after final defeat: "They have made Germany proud"

Bayer Leverkusen's 51-match unbeaten run came to a painful end on Wednesday night as the Werkself were beaten 3-0 by Atalanta in the Europa League final.

But despite the defeat, Leverkusen have plenty to be proud of this season, according to German national team sporting director Rudi Völler.

"This result does not change the fact that Bayer Leverkusen has written a great story and has impressed Germany and Europe," Völler, who formerly served as Leverkusen's managing director of sport, said in a statement released by the German Football Association.

"Players, coaches and the team have made Germany proud, and Bayer have won an incredible amount of sympathy and fans with their inspiring football, humble attitude and special spirit.

"Simon Rolfes, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Carro have worked well together to form a team that plays perfectly together. A team that has almost forgotten how to lose, but is still a good loser in defeat," Völler concluded.