Atalanta are Europa League champions. The Italian side defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, thanks to a magnificent hat-trick from Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman.
This victory not only sees Atalanta lift their first-ever European trophy, but it also marks a historic night for Ademola Lookman himself. He becomes the first player ever to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final, single-handedly derailing Xabi Alonso’s dream of an unbeaten treble with Leverkusen.
Lookman’s brilliance was evident from the start. He put Atalanta ahead early on in the 12th minute, expertly finishing off a delightful cross from Davide Zappacosta. Not relenting, Bayer Leverkusen who looked unsettled by the early goal tried to fight their way back into the game. In the 19th minute, German midfielder, Florian Wirtz found Josip Stanisic with a nice through ball but the striker’s right footed shot was saved.
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Seconds later, Atalanta had a chance to double the lead. Ademola Lookaman whose pace and skill were a constant thorn in Leverkusen’s side located Gianluca Scamacca with a pinpoint pass, but the Italian’s shot sailed just high.
Lookman wasn’t done yet. In the 26th minute, he beats off his marker and sunleashed a stunning right-footed curler from the edge of the box, leaving Leverkusen goalkeeper helpless. The Nigerian forward completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute, receiving a pass from Scamacca, beating his marker with a dazzling stepover, and firing a left-footed shot into the net.
This goal effectively ended Leverkusen’s hopes of a comeback and secured Atalanta’s historic win. Lookman’s performance will be etched in the memory of Atalanta fans forever, and his name is now firmly cemented in Europa League history.
