Ademola Lookman’s hat-trick secured a 3-0 victory for Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, ending Leverkusen’s unbeaten run of 360 days.
Lookman’s goals in the 12th, 25th, and 75th minutes ensured Atalanta’s first European trophy.
By bagging a hat-trick against the Bundesliga champions, the Nigeria international is the sixth player to score a hat-trick in the final of a major European competition but the first to do so in 49 years with Jupp Heyneckes being the last to do so.
Leverkusen started strongly, with Florian Wirtz at the center of their early play.
However, Atalanta’s press and counter-attacks caused problems, and Lookman’s first goal came from a cross by Davide Zappacosta.
Leverkusen struggled to maintain possession, and Lookman’s second goal was a curling effort into the bottom right corner.
Despite Leverkusen’s efforts to change the game with tactical tweaks and substitutions, Atalanta’s defense held firm.
Lookman completed his hat-trick with a powerful shot into the top corner, securing a historic win for Atalanta and ending Leverkusen’s unbeaten run.
This victory marks a significant moment for Atalanta, who have finally made their mark on European football by winning its first continental trophy.
Leverkusen’s unbeaten run was impressive, but Atalanta’s dominant performance and tactics ultimately led to their downfall.
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