Ademola Lookman etched his name in European football history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final. The Atalanta winger’s remarkable performance propelled his team towards their first-ever European trophy, thus ensuring that Bayer Leverkusen‘s remarkable unbeaten streak, stretching back 351 days and 51 games, has finally came to an end on Wednesday night. The dominant Atalanta secured a resounding 3-0 victory in the Europa League final, dashing Leverkusen’s dreams of a historic double.
Lookman Takes Center Stage in Dublin
The former Premier League winger wasted no time making his mark on the biggest stage of his career. Just 12 minutes into the game against Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, Lookman put Atalanta ahead with his opening goal. This early strike set the tone for an unforgettable night for the Nigerian international.
Lookman wasn’t finished there. He truly showcased his talent just 15 minutes later in the 26th minutes with a wonderful solo effort. After picking up the ball outside the box, he dribbled past Leverkusen’s defenders, leaving Granit Xhaka in his wake with a nutmeg. Lookman then strikes a powerful right-footed shot that curled into the back of the net, leaving Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar with no chance.
talkSPORT co-commentator Dean Ashton couldn’t contain his praise for Lookman’s wonder goal. “There’s a stunning finish at the end of it,” Ashton remarked live from Dublin. “He just bypasses Xhaka like he’s a child. He jinxed past him, opened his body up, and the finish is so crisp into the corner that [Matej] Kovar cannot get anywhere near it. That is stunning from Ademola Lookman.”
Lookman Secures Atalanta Glory
Lookman completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute, ensuring not only Atalanta’s first European title but also his own place in the Europa League history books. “Ademola Lookman, you should absorb all the claim and adulation because you’ve done something that very, very few people can even dream of,” Ashton declared after Lookman’s third goal.
Atalanta’s defense, properly drilled under Gasperini, proved too strong for Leverkusen’s attack, even after the introduction of Nigerian striker Victor Boniface in the second half. The Italian side thoroughly deserved their victory, having delivered a dominant performance on the biggest stage in their European journey.
Personal Milestone and Team Success
Lookman’s historic feat extends beyond the Europa League final. He is now the first African player to score two or more goals in a major UEFA competition final. This remarkable performance will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come by Atalanta fans and football lovers worldwide.
Atalanta’s victory also marked a historic occasion for the Italian club. This Europa League triumph represents their first major trophy since their Coppa Italia win in 1963. For manager Gian Piero Gasperini, this win added more significance as it marked his 200th victory at the helm of Atalanta.
What Next For Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen has missed out on the chance to set the record for the first team to finish a whole season unbeaten in a competition a feat unlikely to be broken by anybody else.
While their unbeaten run was ended, Leverkusen’s season remains alive. They will have a chance to redeem themselves and end the season on a high note when they face FC Kaiserslautern in the DFB Pokal final on Saturday.
