Atalanta Secures First Europa League Title With Lookman's Hat-Trick Against Bayer Leverkusen

Ademola Lookman delivered a stellar performance as his hat-trick ended Bayer Leverkusen's 51-game unbeaten streak, leading Atalanta to a 3-0 victory in the Europa League final in Dublin. Xabi Alonso's Bundesliga champions were aiming for a treble this season, but those ambitions were dashed as Atalanta secured their first European silverware.

Lookman struck early with a first-half brace, the second being a notable solo effort, giving Gian Piero Gasperini's Serie A side an unexpected lead on Wednesday. Despite Leverkusen's reputation for comebacks, Lookman's 75th-minute goal completed his hat-trick and ensured Alonso's team faced their first defeat of the season in their penultimate match.

In the big moments #UELfinal pic.twitter.com/UsNvgCF5Fn

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 22, 2024

Leverkusen paid for a sluggish start as Atalanta capitalised just 12 minutes into the game at the Aviva Stadium. Exequiel Palacios was caught off guard at the back post when Davide Zappacosta delivered a low cross from the right, allowing Lookman to fire into the top-left corner from close range.

Lookman doubled his tally 14 minutes later by flicking through Granit Xhaka's legs and curling a right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner from the edge of Leverkusen's area. Alex Grimaldo missed a chance to respond shortly after, sending a weak lob straight at Juan Musso, who easily caught it.

Charles De Ketelaere's shot was saved by Matej Kovar, and Xhaka missed another opportunity before Alonso brought on striker Victor Boniface at halftime. However, this change did not alter the game's momentum. Jeremie Frimpong missed Leverkusen's only chance before the hour mark, and Lookman's third goal sealed Atalanta's victory with 15 minutes remaining.

Gianluca Scamacca set up Lookman for his third goal with a simple pass to the left. Lookman then breezed past Edmond Tapsoba and struck a powerful left-footed shot beyond Kovar, securing a memorable night for Atalanta.

Historic Achievement

Lookman has etched his name into Atalanta history by helping Gasperini's side become the first Italian team to win the Europa League. The Nigeria international is only the sixth player to score a hat-trick in the final of a major UEFA competition, and the first since Jupp Heynckes for Borussia Monchengladbach in the 1975 UEFA Cup.

Lookman's heroics will be remembered by Atalanta supporters, who now celebrate their second major trophy in club history, 61 years after winning the Coppa Italia.

Special #UELfinal pic.twitter.com/mkSvJtlS3n

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 22, 2024

Leverkusen's Unbeaten Run Ends

Before this defeat, Leverkusen had been unbeaten in all 12 Europa League games this season (W9 D3) and aimed to become the fourth side to win the trophy without losing, following Chelsea (2018-19), Villarreal (2020-21), and Eintracht Frankfurt (2021-22). Their nine-month unbeaten run began with a DFB-Pokal win over Teutonia Ottensen in mid-August.

Despite being favourites for this clash, form did not favour Leverkusen as Atalanta—who also eliminated Liverpool in the quarter-finals—handed them their first defeat across all competitions in 361 days. Alonso must now prepare his team for the DFB-Pokal final on Saturday.