Ademola Lookman, the winger for Atalanta, led his team to victory in the Europa League by defeating Bayer Leverkusen, who were aiming for an undefeated season.
Lookman scored a hat-trick in the final, securing a 3-0 win over the new German champions on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old London-born Nigeria international capitalised on Leverkusen’s early mistakes, scoring twice in the first 26 minutes and then adding a powerful shot in the 75th minute.
Lookman's performance ended Leverkusen's 51-game unbeaten run in Europa League.
Leverkusen recently won the Bundesliga title. That's why they were favourites to win. Led by veteran coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta lifted their first top-level trophy in 61 years.
Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso tried to rally his players throughout the game, but they faltered.
The 66-year-old coach of Atalanta celebrated with his team as the final whistle rang.
Lookman breached Leverkusen's defence in the 26th minute when Amine Adli's header fell to him. He then curled a shot past goalkeeper Matej Kovar. Despite their unmatched performances throughout the Europa League season, Leverkusen could not bring about a comeback this time around.
The stunning win offered a chance to Atalanta fans to rejoice on a breezy evening in Dublin. Leverkusen look set to prepare for the German Cup final this weekend against second-tier Kaiserslautern, hoping to end the season on a high note.
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