Ademola Lookman’s Hat-Trick Sinks Leverkusen, Secures Atalanta’s Europa League Glory
Written by Jerry Alomatu on May 23, 2024
Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian forward for Atalanta, showcased a stunning performance with a hat-trick as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the Europa League final, ending Leverkusen’s 51-match unbeaten run and securing Atalanta’s first trophy in 61 years.
Lookman’s hat-trick not only secured Atalanta’s first-ever continental trophy but also marked him as the first player to achieve a hat-trick in a European final since 1975.
In the wake of the victory, Lookman expressed his elation, describing it as one of the best nights of his life and emphasizing the team’s historic achievement.
Atalanta, a team historically overshadowed by nearby giants AC Milan and Inter Milan, has experienced a resurgence under the management of Gian Piero Gasperini, consistently performing well in the Champions League and now clinching silverware.
Despite Leverkusen’s habit of late comebacks during their Bundesliga campaign, they failed to overturn Atalanta’s early lead in the final.
Lookman’s impressive performance reflected his journey from a somewhat nomadic career to finding a home in Bergamo, where he has become a hero.
The victory was a result of Atalanta’s purposeful play from the start, with Lookman’s goals putting Leverkusen under significant pressure. Leverkusen, although typically strong in their attacking play, couldn’t find their rhythm in the final.
As Atalanta celebrated their triumph, they broke a streak of previous final losses under Gasperini, securing their place in history as the first Italian side to win the Europa League since Parma’s victory in 1999.
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Author: Jerry Alomatu
Astute communicator
