Ademola Lookman delivered a stunning hat-trick to lead Atalanta to victory, ending their 61-year trophy drought and crushing Bayer Leverkusen’s hopes of an undefeated season in the Europa League final at Aviva Stadium.
The final saw immense support and vibrant displays from both teams’ fans in Dublin, marking Atalanta’s first European final and Leverkusen’s third.
Leverkusen, under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, entered the match with an impressive record, having gone 51 games unbeaten and standing just two matches away from a flawless season.
However, Lookman, the former Charlton Athletic winger, had different plans. He opened the scoring by placing the ball in the top corner following a precise cutback from Davide Zappacosta.
His second goal was a spectacular moment, as he nutmegged Granit Xhaka and curled a magnificent shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.
Lookman completed his hat-trick with another brilliant effort, using a step-over to beat Edmond Tapsoba before firing the ball into the roof of the net.
Leverkusen, known for their remarkable comebacks, couldn’t mount another one this time.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical brilliance, combined with a relentless pressing game and Lookman’s exceptional performance, secured Atalanta their second major trophy, adding to the 1963 Coppa Italia in their Bergamo cabinet.
