Historic Hat-Trick Heroics
In a remarkable display of individual brilliance, Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman etched his name into the history books by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final.
Lookman’s extraordinary feat propelled Atalanta to a resounding 3-0 victory over German champions Bayer Leverkusen, ending their astonishing 51-game unbeaten run.
The 25-year-old Nigerian international showcased his exceptional finishing ability, capitalizing on Atalanta’s high-pressing tactics to open the scoring in the 12th minute. Latching onto Davide Zappacosta’s angled ball, Lookman fired home from close range to give his side the early advantage.
Sublime Solo Effort
Lookman’s second goal was a masterpiece of individual skill. Weaving his way through the Leverkusen defense, he unleashed a powerful low strike from the edge of the box, leaving goalkeeper Matĕj Kovář helpless.
“These past two years I’ve been able to take my game to a whole new level. Maybe it could have come earlier, but it has come now. But this is just the beginning. I hope for more nights like this and to just keep getting better and better,” Lookman remarked after his historic performance.
Completing the Treble
Despite Leverkusen’s relentless pursuit of a comeback, Lookman remained a constant threat, and his moment of glory arrived in the 75th minute.
Demonstrating composure and clinical finishing, he received a precise pass from Gianluca Scamacca before calmly slotting the ball past Kovář to complete his hat-trick and seal Atalanta’s triumph.
Gasperini’s Masterclass
Atalanta’s triumph was a testament to the tactical brilliance of their 66-year-old coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, who secured his first major trophy in his long and illustrious career.
Gasperini’s side executed their high-pressing strategy to perfection, nullifying Leverkusen’s attacking threats and creating numerous scoring opportunities.
“That was perhaps our peak in recent years. We’ve won it against top teams. We beat Sporting who are the Portuguese champions. We played Liverpool when they were top of the Premier League.
We played Marseille who are a very good side, and tonight we beat the German champions. To have beaten such great sides adds gloss to our achievement,” Gasperini beamed in his post-match comments.
Leverkusen’s Heartbreak
Xabi Alonso, the Leverkusen coach, graciously acknowledged Atalanta’s superiority, stating,
“They were the better team. It’s a consequence of the great thing that Gasperini has done. Atalanta are very brave. They don’t mind being in one-on-one situations. When we had a slight chance to make a run, they defended very well. They have been doing it for many years. They’re a special team.”
