Last night in UEFA Europa League final, Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman made history with a stunning hat-trick, leading Atalanta to a commanding 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Lookman’s Historic Hat-Trick
Ademola Lookman became the first player ever to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final, showcasing his clinical finishing and composure.
His first goal came from a deft strike following a low cross from Davide Zappacosta.
The second saw Lookman effortlessly nutmeg Granit Xhaka before powering a shot past the goalkeeper.
He sealed his hat-trick with a stunning solo effort, firing into the roof of the net after a quick counter-attack.
Ending Bayer Leverkusen’s Unbeaten Run
Going into the final, Bayer Leverkusen had been on an extraordinary 51-game unbeaten run across all competitions, the longest in European club football this season.
Atalanta’s tactical discipline and Lookman’s brilliance brought this celestial run to a dramatic end.
Super Eagles Stars Shine
The final was a showcase for Nigerian talent, with Lookman starting for Atalanta and Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella featuring for Bayer Leverkusen.
While Boniface and Tella could not influence the outcome, Lookman’s performance highlighted how important the winger has been for his team since his return from AFCON 2023.
Lookman’s Record-Breaking Feats
Lookman’s hat-trick marked several historic milestones:
– He is the first African player to score twice in the final of a major UEFA competition.
– He joins Alex Iwobi and Joe Aribo as the only Nigerian players to score in a UEFA final.
– His hat-trick is the sixth ever in the final of a major UEFA competition and the first since Jupp Heynckes’ in the 1975 UEFA Cup.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s First Major Trophy
This victory secured Gian Piero Gasperini’s first major title since taking charge of Atalanta in 2016.
His tactical acumen and ability to maximise his squad’s potential were key to Atalanta’s success.
Consistent Excellence from Lookman
Lookman’s performance last night showed his consistency and growth.
Over the past two seasons, he has been directly involved in over 20 goals for Atalanta:
– 2022/23: 15 goals and 6 assists
– 2023/24: 14 goals and 8 assists
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