Ademola Lookman scored a sensational hat-trick as Atalanta ended their 61-year trophy drought by devastating Bayer Leverkusen’s dream of an unbeaten season in the Europa League final at a boisterous Aviva Stadium.
Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen had not lost in 51 games this season and were on the verge of perfection, however, Lookman had other plans. He opened the scoring by placing a precise shot into the top corner from Davide Zappacosta’s cutback. His second goal was a moment of brilliance, as he nutmegged Granit Xhaka and curled a fantastic shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards. Lookman’s third goal was just as impressive, with a step-over to beat Edmond Tapsoba before firing into the roof of the net.
Despite Leverkusen’s history of dramatic comebacks, they couldn’t mount another one this time. Thanks to Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical masterclass and Lookman’s heroics, Atalanta secured their second major trophy, adding to the 1963 Coppa Italia, and booked a spot in next season’s Champions League.
The spotlight was on Leverkusen’s unbeaten run, but Lookman and Atalanta were unfazed. Gasperini, who transformed Atalanta from a yo-yo club to European regulars since his arrival in 2016, finally secured the elusive trophy.
Atalanta, having lost three Coppa Italia finals under Gasperini, including the one to Juventus last week, were determined to seize this opportunity. They started the match aggressively, with Zappacosta creating space and setting up Lookman for the crucial opening goal. The significance of this goal was evident as several Atalanta bench members rushed onto the pitch to celebrate.
