Nigeria’s football wonderboy, Ademola Lookman’s hat-trick for his team Atalanta sent German side Bayer Leverkusen packing in the Europa League final on Wednesday. The 3-0 victory ended Leverkusen’s 51-game unbeaten run.
Xabi Alonso‘s squad (Leverkusen) ran out of steam with Lookman repeatedly causing havoc in their defence. Lookman opened his scoring with a back-post finish in the 12th minute and doubled the lead with a beautiful curling effect 14 minutes later.
He completed his historic hat-trick with a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner of Leverkusen’s post in the second half. He has become the first player ever to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final.
It was also Atalanta Manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s first major trophy; the second trophy for Atalanta in their 116-year history. The first time they lifted a cup was their Coppa Italia win more than 60 years ago.
Atalanta despite losing to Juventus in the Coppa Italia final seven days ago, bounced back to knock Leverkusen off their stride.
Lookman previously played in the English Premier League for Everton, Fulham, and Leicester before moving to Serie A to join Atalanta.
What’s Next For Leverkusen
Leverkusen has had a brilliant season, no doubt. Their hope for a 3-trophy season now dashed by Lookman, although they still have a chance for a domestic double if they defeat Kaiserslautern in the German Cup on Saturday.
Luverkusen Manager, Xabi Alonso described how he saw the match. “Normally it happens earlier in the season, but when it’s the first one in such a big game, it hurts for sure. We need to deal with this pain positively; and try to transform it into good energy for the next thing. It’s football. The normality is not to get defeated in the 52nd game. It’s been quite exceptional what we have achieved and we have to be proud. Today is painful, but it’s deserved as well.“
Next Matches
Atalanta will conclude their season with two Serie A matches, first at home against Torino on Sunday, followed by hosting Fiorentina on June 2.
Bayer Leverkusen’s final match of the season is against second-tier Kaiserslautern in the DFB Pokal final in Berlin on Saturday.
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