Ademola Lookman was the hero of the night, scoring three goals to end Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten run and secure Atalanta’s first European Cup title. Lookman became the first player to score a hat-trick in a European final in 49 years, leading Atalanta to their first-ever continental trophy.
The team from Bergamo has long lived in the shadow of nearby giants AC Milan and Inter Milan. However, under Gian Piero Gasperini, they have entered a golden era, reaching the Champions League four times and now having silverware to show for it.
Leverkusen, who won their first-ever Bundesliga title without a single defeat, have become known for their late comebacks. However, this time they couldn't overcome a slow start. Atalanta's more purposeful play in the opening stages paid off after just 12 minutes. Davide Zappacosta reached the by-line, and Lookman took advantage of Exequiel Palacios' lapse in concentration to fire into the top corner at the back post.
Lookman, who has had a nomadic career with loan spells at Fulham and Leicester after being discarded by RB Leipzig, has found a home in Bergamo, where he will now forever be a hero. His second goal was a masterpiece, as he nutmegged Granit Xhaka before curling a powerful shot into the far corner.
For the fourth time in seven Europa League knockout matches, Xabi Alonso’s men found themselves 2-0 down. Leverkusen's dynamic full-backs, key to their stunning season, missed crucial opportunities. Alex Grimaldo shot tamely at Juan Musso, and Jeremie Frimpong missed a clear chance by shooting over the bar.
Leverkusen were also denied a lifeline when Gianluca Scamacca was lucky to escape with a yellow card for a wild challenge on Florian Wirtz. Despite Alonso’s rapid rise as one of Europe’s hottest coaching properties and his decision to remain at the BayArena next season, starting without a recognized striker backfired. He brought on Victor Boniface at half-time to provide a focal point up front, but the damage was already done.
Atalanta were content to absorb Leverkusen's pressure and counter-attack. The final blow came from another brilliant finish by Lookman, who skipped past Edmond Tapsoba and blasted into the top corner with his weaker left foot.
Atalanta, who had lost all three of their previous finals under Gasperini, including the recent Coppa Italia defeat to Juventus, were not to be denied this time. They were cheered across the finish line by thousands of fans clad in blue and black, who had traveled from northern Italy to the Irish capital.
In achieving this historic victory, Atalanta became the first Italian side to win the competition since Parma lifted the UEFA Cup in 1999.
0 Comments