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Atalanta Win Europa League As Lookman Hat-trick Ends Leverkusen’s Unbeaten Run
Atalanta BC pulled off a remarkable upset by defeating Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 at Aviva Stadium Dublin.
The star of the night was none other than Ademola Lookman, who wrote his name in history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final.
The stage was set for an unlikely clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta, with the German giants boasting a formidable 51-match unbeaten run in all competitions, while Atalanta was making their first-ever appearance in a continental final. The match lived up to its billing as Atalanta’s attacking strength and relentless press caused all sorts of problems for Xabi Alonso’s side.
The opening goal was a thing of beauty, as Lookman capitalized on a splendid build-up play involving Teun Koopmeiners and Davide Zappacosta to slot home a clinical finish past Matěj Kovář.
Atalanta’s relentless pressing game consistently troubled Xabi Alonso’s team, and Ademola Lookman capitalized on Leverkusen’s uncharacteristically sloppy play once more, firing a powerful right-footed shot into the bottom corner to extend Atalanta’s lead.
Bayer Leverkusen came close to a potential lifeline as Florian Wirtz found Álex Grimaldo, but the Spaniard’s attempted lob resulted in a shot straight at Juan Musso, who was positioned far from his goal. Alonso’s team struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, while the strategically astute Gian Piero Gasperini successfully executed his game plan in Dublin.
Alonso’s team was in desperate need of another comeback, a common thing of their season, but they lacked their usual sharpness against Atalanta, who had them organized. Ultimately, Lookman dashed any hopes of Leverkusen staging a comeback with a ferocious angled finish from the left-hand side after being teed up by Gianluca Scamacca.
This historic night will forever be remembered in Atalanta’s folklore as they secured their first European title, a momentous achievement that will be cherished for years to come. For Gasperini, winning his first major trophy adds another milestone to his esteemed managerial career.
On the other hand, it’s a story of immense promise but near-misses for Leverkusen, who captivated and thrilled fans alike but fell just short of completing an unprecedented unbeaten treble by two games.
