Ademola Lookman scored a remarkable hat-trick as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to win the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday. This victory ends Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-match unbeaten run and marks Atalanta’s first trophy in 61 years, as well as their first-ever continental title.
Lookman, 26, became the first player since 1975 to score a hat-trick in a European final. “One of the best nights of my life. Amazing performance from the team,” Lookman said. “We’ve got to celebrate, we made history tonight.”
Atalanta, a club traditionally overshadowed by nearby giants AC and Inter Milan, has experienced a golden era under coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The team has qualified for the Champions League four times and now has significant silverware to show for their efforts.
Leverkusen, who recently won their first Bundesliga title without a single defeat, struggled to replicate their late-match heroics in this final. “It’s a shame that the time it didn’t work out for us was in a final,” said Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka. Despite their disappointment, Leverkusen will aim for redemption in the German Cup final.
Atalanta’s purposeful play was evident from the start, with Lookman scoring the opening goal in the 12th minute. He added a second with a stunning shot before completing his hat-trick in the second half, sealing the victory for Atalanta.
Lookman’s journey has seen him move across several clubs, including loan spells at Fulham and Leicester, after being discarded by RB Leipzig. However, he has found a home in Bergamo and is now a hero for Atalanta fans.
Bayer Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso, found themselves in a challenging position once again, having previously come from behind in several knockout matches. Despite Alonso’s tactical adjustments, including bringing on Victor Boniface at halftime, Leverkusen couldn’t break down Atalanta’s defense.
This triumph sees Atalanta become the first Italian team to win the Europa League since Parma in 1999.
