Nigerian winger, Ademola Lookman was the starman of the Europa League final between his club, Atalanta and German Bundesliga reigning champions, Bayer Leverkusen earlier today, May 22, 2024.
The 26-year-old Nigeria international got the match opener for the Italian Serie A side as early as in the 12th minute of the encounter by tapping in Zappacosta’s cross.
In the 26th minute, Ademola Lookman was at hand to give the spectators at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, another reason to celebrate as he dribbled his way near Bayer Leverkusen’s penalty box before he sent a curling shot in via the far corner from outside the box.
Stop that Lookman. pic.twitter.com/RzrLmrdyjr
— Stop That Football (@stopthatfooty) May 22, 2024
Bayer Leverkusen went into the break with their 51-game unbeaten run at stake and were expected to turn things around in the second half. Unfortunately, the highly sought-after coach Xabi Alonso was unable to come up with any tactics to outclass coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Hence, Atalanta maintained control of the game and recorded a lot of good moments in the second half.
In the 75th minute of the encounter, the brightest member of the Atalanta side on the night, Ademola Lookman, was called to duty again when Scamacca led a counter-attack against Bayer Leverkusen. He passed the ball to the Nigeria international who stylishly moved it to his left before he blasted it into the net to complete his hat-trick.
WINNERS. 🏆#UELfinal pic.twitter.com/Zbg32YwdSF
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 22, 2024
Lookman’s hat-trick earned Atalanta who are currently 5th in the Serie A their first Europa League title and ended Bayer Leverkusen’s hope of finishing the season unbeaten in all competitions.
🗣️ "THE NIGHT OF HIS LIFE, THE NIGHT OF HIS DREAMS!"
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 22, 2024
Ademola Lookman is the first player in history to score a hat-trick in a #UELFinal 👏
Xabi Alonso's face says it all.. pic.twitter.com/Yvn8JD5EnL
