Ademola Lookman’s Hat Trick Shatters Leverkusen’s Historic Unbeaten Run

Ademola Lookman delivered a career-defining performance by scoring a stunning hat trick, leading Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin, thereby clinching the Europa League title. This triumph not only marked Atalanta’s first European trophy but also ended Leverkusen’s impressive 51-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.

Lookman’s Heroics Seal Victory for Atalanta

Former Everton and RB Leipzig forward Ademola Lookman, at 26, showcased his exceptional talent by scoring all three goals in the final, securing a historic win for Gian Piero Gasperini’s team. Atalanta dominated the game from the outset, with Lookman giving them a 2-0 lead by halftime. He sealed the victory with a remarkable individual effort in the 75th minute, extinguishing any hope of a comeback for Leverkusen.

Leverkusen’s Unbeaten Run Comes to an End

Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak, which lasted 361 days and included 51 games, was abruptly halted. Their last defeat had been a 3-0 loss to VfL Bochum in May 2023. Manager Xabi Alonso acknowledged the disappointment but maintained perspective, stating, “It happens, it’s football, today wasn’t meant to be. They were better.”

Historic Pursuit Thwarted

Leverkusen, having already secured their first-ever Bundesliga title with an impressive record of 28 wins and 6 draws, were aiming for an unprecedented treble. They were heavily favored to add the Europa League and DFB Pokal (German Cup) to their collection, becoming the first team in European football history to win three major trophies in a single season without a loss. However, Atalanta’s spirited performance dashed these ambitions.

Alonso Reflects on the Defeat

Despite the setback, Alonso remained philosophical about the loss, emphasizing the team’s remarkable achievements throughout the season. “It’s exceptional what we have done. Today is painful, but it is deserved as well. These defeats in a final, you don’t forget them. We had a big chance, we put everything on today, but it didn’t go as planned.”

Looking Ahead to the German Cup Final

Leverkusen still has an opportunity to make history by securing an unbeaten double if they can defeat Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final in Berlin. Alonso highlighted the importance of this upcoming match, noting, “It’s our first defeat of the season so it will be a test as to how we deal with it because we have a big game on Saturday.”

Conclusion

Ademola Lookman’s hat trick will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Atalanta’s history, earning them their first European trophy and ending Bayer Leverkusen’s dream of an unbeaten treble. While Leverkusen’s historic run has come to an end, their season remains a remarkable testament to their resilience and skill, with another chance for silverware still on the horizon.