Ademola Lookman’s Hat-Trick Leads Atalanta To Europa League Victory Over Bayer Leverkusen

Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick to lead Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.

Ademola Lookman made history as the first African player to score three goals in a major UEFA final.

This win ended Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, marking their first loss in 52 games this season.

For Atalanta, it was their first UEFA Europa League title and their first major trophy since 1963. The final took place at the Dublin Arena on Wednesday, May 22.

Lookman opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing a well-crafted play involving Teun Koopmeiners and Davide Zappacosta.

The Nigerian striker then doubled the lead with a stunning solo effort, dribbling past Granit Xhaka and scoring from the edge of the box.

Leverkusen nearly responded when Florian Wirtz set up Álex Grimaldo, but the Spaniard’s shot was saved by Juan Musso.

After halftime, Leverkusen showed more intensity, with Jeremie Frimpong coming close to scoring. However, Lookman sealed the win with his third goal in the 75th minute, assisted by Gianluca Scamacca.

This hat-trick made Lookman the first player to achieve this feat in a Europa League final and the first African to score a brace in a major European final.

Despite the efforts of Leverkusen’s top scorer Victor Boniface, who came on in the second half, they couldn’t break through Atalanta’s defense.

Lookman finished the season with 15 goals and eight assists in all competitions.

Atalanta’s victory overshadowed Leverkusen’s impressive season and capped off Lookman’s remarkable year, positioning him as a strong contender for the Africa Player of the Year Award.

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