Ademola Lookman Shines as Atalanta Secures Europa League Glory
Ademola Lookman delivered a stunning hat-trick to propel Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final. This triumph marked Atalanta’s second major trophy in their 117-year history, ending the German champions’ remarkable 51-game unbeaten streak.
Lookman’s Journey to Success
Lookman, who previously struggled in the English Premier League with Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, found his form under Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini. He netted twice in the first 26 minutes and completed his hat-trick 15 minutes from full-time, securing a memorable victory for his team.
Gasperini’s Long-Awaited Triumph
This win also marked the end of Gasperini’s two-decade-long quest for major silverware. Atalanta’s dominant performance against Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen – dubbed ‘Neverlusen’ for their unbeaten run – showcased their attacking prowess. They had previously defeated Liverpool and Olympique de Marseille to reach their first European final, demonstrating their strength throughout the competition.
Part of history ⚫️🔵#UELfinal pic.twitter.com/CJIIg5FZUk
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 22, 2024
Key Moments of the Match
Leverkusen’s uncharacteristic sloppy play early in the game allowed Gianluca Scamacca an early header attempt, followed by Lookman’s opening goal after a brilliant assist from Davide Zappacosta. Lookman then capitalized on another Leverkusen error, curling a right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner.
Despite Leverkusen’s efforts, including substituting Josip Stanisic for top scorer Victor Boniface, Atalanta’s defense held firm. The Germans, who had only failed to score once during their unbeaten streak, could not break through.
Historic Hat-Trick
Lookman completed his hat-trick with a left-footed strike into the top corner, becoming the sixth player to score three goals in a major European final, and the first since Jupp Heynckes in 1975. Atalanta’s victory ended their 61-year wait since their 1963 Italian Cup triumph.
Post-Match Reactions
“It’s one of the best nights of my life,” Lookman told TNT Sports, cradling the match ball as he collected his winners’ medal. “It was an amazing performance from the team. We did it … We made history tonight.”
Gasperini echoed this sentiment, praising his team’s attacking strategy and determination. “Winning the Europa League is an extraordinary achievement,” he told Sky Sports Italia. “We deserved it without a shadow of a doubt against such a strong team.”
Match Summary Table
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Atalanta 3-0 Bayer Leverkusen |
| Key Player | Ademola Lookman (hat-trick) |
| Milestone | Atalanta’s second major trophy |
| Leverkusen’s Streak Ended | 51-game unbeaten streak |
| Historical Comparison | First Italian winners in 25 years |
| Coach’s Achievement | Gasperini’s first major silverware |
Conclusion
Atalanta’s Europa League victory, driven by Lookman’s hat-trick, not only secured a historic win but also ended Leverkusen’s impressive unbeaten run. This achievement underscores Atalanta’s growth under Gasperini and Lookman’s resurgence in European football.
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