JUST IN: Ademola Lookman hat-trick seals Atalanta first-ever Europa glory against Leverkusen
With a spectacular performance against Bayer Leverkusen, led by a hat-trick from Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, Atalanta BC won their first-ever Europa League title.
This win on Wednesday night at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin not only put a stop to Leverkusen’s winning streak but also marked Atalanta’s first goal and trophy in a European final.
Lookman’s goals in the 12th, 26th, and 75th minutes of the game occurred at crucial junctures.
“Lookman becomes the first player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final,” wrote Europa League on its X account.
His outstanding play was a major factor in Atalanta’s historic victory over Leverkusen, a team that was much favored going into the match and had just won the Bundesliga.
With this victory, Atalanta’s incredible season comes to an end under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who commended his group’s tenacity and playoff preparation.
Despite their remarkable 51-game unbeaten streak and recent domestic triumph, Leverkusen was not able to complete the triple, and this loss was a major blow just a few days before their German Cup final match.
