Atalanta Secure Europa League as Ademola Lookman Hat-Trick Sinks Bayer Leverkusen

Ademola Lookman made history by scoring the first hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final, propelling Atalanta BC to a stunning 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. This triumph ended the Bundesliga champions’ impressive 51-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.

Few would have predicted this final match-up at the start of the season. Leverkusen, a dominant force, ended a 22-year wait to compete in a European final, while Atalanta marked their first-ever appearance in a continental showpiece match.

The Serie A side struck first with a beautifully crafted goal from Lookman, who was left unmarked in the box and fired a clinical first-time shot past Matěj Kovář. The goal followed delightful link-up play involving Teun Koopmeiners and Davide Zappacosta.

Atalanta’s press continually troubled Xabi Alonso’s side. Lookman capitalized on more uncharacteristically sloppy play from the Bundesliga champions, unleashing an unstoppable right-footed strike into the bottom corner to double Atalanta’s lead.

Leverkusen nearly found an unexpected lifeline when Florian Wirtz picked out Álex Grimaldo. However, the Spaniard failed to execute the lob and shot straight at Juan Musso, who was positioned well outside his goal.

Alonso’s men struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, while Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical plan came to fruition perfectly in Dublin.

Leverkusen emerged after the break with increased intensity. Jeremie Frimpong fired a warning shot for the Bergamo outfit, lashing a left-footed volley over the bar from Amine Adli’s cross.

Desperately needing a comeback to mirror their season’s resilience, Leverkusen lacked their usual edge against La Dea, who had their strategy well in place.

Lookman extinguished any hopes of a Leverkusen comeback with a ferocious angled finish from the left-hand side after being set up by Gianluca Scamacca.

This night will go down in Atalanta folklore as they claimed their first-ever European honors. It is a momentous occasion for Gasperini, who secured his first major trophy in an already respected managerial career.

Meanwhile, it was a case of so close yet so far for a Leverkusen side that had enthralled and delighted throughout the season, falling just two games short of completing an unprecedented unbeaten treble.