A hat trick from Ademola Lookman ended Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-game unbeaten run across all competitions in the 2023/24 Europa League final. The Nigerian star threw Xabi Alonso and his Bayer Leverkusen team off balance by scoring two quick goals in the first half of the game, which was played in Dublin on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
Lookman’s goals ensured Atalanta won their first major European trophy and the club’s first trophy since 1963. They became the first Italian team to win the UEFA Cup/Europa League since Parma in 1999.
Lookman’s Post-Match Thoughts
“One of the best nights of my life. Amazing performance from the team, we did it, we did it, we did it! Not got much else to say, but yeah, fantastic. They do always say third time lucky, so yeah it is for us today [winning a final at the third attempt this season]. I’m just happy we won. We won today, so yes, I am very pleased.”
This victory ensures that Atalanta will play in the UEFA Champions League next season (2024/25) and face the game winner between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Super Cup later this year.
Ademola Lookman’s Journey
Ademola Lookman was born in Wandsworth, went to school in Peckham, played Sunday League football for Waterloo FC, and began his professional career with Charlton Athletic.
Big things were expected of the Nigeria winger when he broke through at The Valley in 2015. Everton signed him just over a year later, but his ascent stalled during underwhelming spells at RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester City.
However, the air in Bergamo must agree with him. Twenty-seven goals in 75 appearances before last night became 30 in 76 as he opened the scoring after 12 minutes, doubled the lead after 26, and made it a treble, the first in a Europa League final, 15 minutes from time.
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A Record-Breaking Performance
Lookman wrote his name in the history books of European football with his hat trick. He became the first African player to score twice in the final of a major UEFA competition, joining the exclusive list of Nigerian players who have scored in the final of a major UEFA competition. He also became the first African footballer to score a hat-trick in the final of a major UEFA competition, a feat previously achieved by only five other players.
Lookman and Atalanta’s Victory
Atalanta and their veteran coach Gian Piero Gasperini, both appearing in their first European final, had already showcased their quality by beating Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in the quarter-final. They showed no sign of being fazed by their previously invincible opponents.
Bayer Leverkusen entered the final as favorites, having clinched the Bundesliga title for the first time in their 119-year history with an almost flawless campaign. However, Atalanta, driven by Lookman’s heroics, shattered their treble dreams.
Leverkusen failed to score for only the second time this season and must now lift themselves as they attempt to complete a domestic double against Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final on Saturday.
Match Highlights
Atalanta went ahead when ex-Chelsea wing-back Davide Zappacosta zipped down the right channel and crossed low and hard. Lookman capitalized on the defensive lapse to sidefoot high into the net.
Leverkusen struggled to find their rhythm. Their best chance was a deflected shot from defender Josip Stanisic that looped comfortably into the arms of goalkeeper Juan Musso. Lookman doubled the lead by nutmegging Granit Xhaka and bending his shot low past the goalkeeper.
Despite Leverkusen’s attempts to regain control, including the introduction of striker Victor Boniface at halftime, Atalanta’s defensive resilience and relentless pressure kept the German side at bay. Lookman completed his hat-trick Iin the 75th minute by driving the ball high into the far corner, sealing the victory for Atalanta.
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Looking Ahead
With this triumph, Lookman has won his first major trophy at the senior level, marking a significant milestone in his career. This victory also reflects Nigeria’s great relationship with the Europa League, following in the footsteps of other Nigerian footballers who have won the competition.