Atalanta Triumphs In Europa League: Lookman's Hat-trick Ends Leverkusen's Streak

Gian Piero Gasperini and Ademola Lookman celebrated a historic achievement for Atalanta after ending Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten run and securing Europa League glory. Lookman delivered a standout performance, scoring a hat-trick to secure Atalanta's first major European trophy.

The Nigerian winger became only the sixth player to score a hat-trick in a major UEFA final, and the first since Jupp Heynckes for Borussia Mönchengladbach against Twente in 1975. Lookman will be celebrated in Bergamo as Atalanta returns home with their first trophy in 61 years, following a 3-0 victory that ended Leverkusen's 51-game unbeaten streak.

"One of the best nights of my life," said Lookman to TNT Sports in Dublin. "Amazing performance from the team, we did it, we did it, we did it! I haven't got much else to say, but fantastic." Lookman is also just the second player to score a hat-trick for an Italian side in the final of a major European competition, after Pierino Prati for Milan against Ajax in the 1969 European Cup.

As he prepared to leave the Aviva Stadium with the Europa League trophy, Lookman expressed his eagerness to celebrate this significant moment. "We've got to celebrate, we made history tonight," he added.

CAMPIONIIIIIIIII pic.twitter.com/VAS0vMhksU

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) May 22, 2024

Gasperini, aged 66 years and 117 days on Wednesday, became the oldest coach to win his debut major European final. He is also the second Italian coach to win the Europa League after Maurizio Sarri in 2019. The veteran coach echoed Lookman's sentiments after securing just the second trophy in Atalanta's history.

"I think we wrote history, also for the way we won it," said Gasperini, speaking to UEFA's official media channels. "It was just extraordinary; we defeated Liverpool and Sporting who won their championships. When we faced Liverpool they were first in the Premier League... And now the German champions. Incredible. The boys were extraordinary, a memorable performance."