In a thrilling Europa League final, Ademola Lookman, once hailed as a future star, ended Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten run, leading Atalanta to a historic victory. This marked Atalanta's second trophy in their history, and their first in six decades, a fitting reward for one of the continent's most admirable football clubs over the past decade.
Lookman's performance was nothing short of incredible, eclipsing Xabi Alonso, this season's most sought-after manager. He scored all the goals in Atalanta's emphatic 3-0 victory, achieving a hat-trick of divine and varied quality. This gave Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta's legendary coach, the first trophy his adventurous career deserved.
Lookman's third goal, a powerful shot into the top corner of the net, was the pick of the lot. It was a pivotal moment, ending Leverkusen's quest for an unbeaten European season and a treble. Atalanta's 2-0 lead marked the fourth time Leverkusen had fallen behind by that exact score in their seven Europa League knockout games. They always found their way back, until Lookman kept finding the net.
Atalanta's display was virtuoso and complemented the glory of the victory. Gasperini's team brought out the revelations of the season off the court, with Lookman laying waste to them. From the start, Gasperini got it right, leading to a match in Dublin that could well end with a very different origin story than expected.
Lookman, the Wandsworth-born Nigerian international, may now have a bigger future ahead of him. His performance was a rare final display, dominating Leverkusen from the start of the match. When Alonso changed teams, Atalanta seemed clearer about his approach, cutting through Leverkusen with ease. Lookman's goals, especially his second, a long-range shot that deflected off Matej Kovar into the far corner, woke up Leverkusen. But it was too late. Lookman had already finished everything off with something exquisite.
