Ademola Lookman netted an impressive hat-trick as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the Europa League final, clinching only the second significant trophy in their 117-year history and halting the German champions’ remarkable run without defeat.
The triumph marked the conclusion of Gasperini’s own twenty-year-long quest for significant silverware as his team completely outperformed Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen – also known as ‘Neverlusen’ after an astonishing 51-game unbeaten streak.
In a nearly flawless performance, Gian Piero Gasperini’s team made a strong statement early in the game after earning a corner. Although Leverkusen initially cleared the ball, David Zappacosta dribbled back into the box and found Ademola Lookman at the back post.
Lookman’s first goal boosted Atalanta’s confidence, leading them to apply high-pressure intensity that Leverkusen struggled to counter. Lookman proved to be a formidable challenge for defender Edmond Tapsoba and extended Atalanta’s lead by scoring a second goal with a skillful cut inside and a curling right-footed shot in the 26th minute.
He achieved a remarkable hat-trick with a swift counterattack in the second half. Gianluca Scamacca passed the ball to him on the left side of the box, and Lookman struck it fiercely into the far, top corner.
With Leverkusen unable to withstand the pressure any longer, Atalanta emerged victorious, securing their inaugural European trophy.
“The normality is not to get defeated in the 52nd game. Normally it happens much earlier in the season. It’s been quite exceptional what we have achieved, and we have to be really proud,” Alonso, Leverkusen’s managet told a news conference.
“We were missing many things for sure. It’s very demanding to play against Atalanta, a lot of dual situations, very physical … It happens, it’s football, today wasn’t our day. They were better.”
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