Ademola Lookman’s sensational hat-trick led Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, ending Leverkusen’s 51-game unbeaten run.
Atalanta, under Gian Piero Gasperini, dominated from the start. Lookman scored his first goal in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Leverkusen’s defense. He doubled the lead in the 26th minute with a brilliant curling shot from the edge of the box after nutmegging Granit Xhaka. Lookman completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute with a powerful left-footed strike, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final.
Despite a phenomenal season, Xabi Alonso’s team could not find their rhythm and were unable to break through Atalanta’s high press and solid defense. This victory marks Atalanta’s first major European trophy and only their second major trophy in the club’s history, with their last being the Coppa Italia over six decades ago.
Gian Piero Gasperini celebrated his first major trophy, showcasing the team’s collective effort and Lookman’s exceptional performance. Xabi Alonso acknowledged the fatigue and the end of their unbeaten streak but praised his team’s overall season.
Atalanta became the 10th Italian side to win a major European trophy. Lookman made history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final. Bayer Leverkusen suffered their first defeat since their final game of the 2022-23 season. Atalanta’s victory was a perfect performance, combining individual brilliance with team cohesion, resulting in a historic night for the club and its fans.
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