Nigerian footballer Ademola Lookman made history in European football by scoring a hat-trick for Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. The 26-year-old, who began his career at Charlton Athletic, was the standout player in Wednesday’s match, leading Atalanta to a convincing 3-0 victory and their first major European trophy.
Atalanta had been in good form, with just one loss in their last nine matches. Despite a recent defeat to Juventus in the Coppa Italia final, they bounced back spectacularly in Dublin.
The victory is a significant moment in Atalanta’s 116-year history, marking only their second major trophy after the 1963 Coppa Italia.
Lookman’s performance was historic in several ways. He became the first player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final since 1975, including its predecessor, the UEFA Cup. Additionally, he is the first player to achieve this feat in the single-match format of the Europa League final.
This achievement puts him in a select group of Nigerian players who have scored in major UEFA finals. Lookman also set the record for the fastest two goals in a Europa League final, achieving this in just 26 minutes. His outstanding performance earned him the “Player of the Match” award.
Lookman’s hat-trick played a crucial role in breaking Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable 51-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. His contributions throughout the Europa League campaign were pivotal for Atalanta, making him a strong contender for the CAF Player of the Year award.
Atalanta’s win makes them the first Italian team to win the Europa League since 1999, elevating Italy’s standing in the competition. Despite their recent loss in the Coppa Italia final, Atalanta’s triumph in the Europa League final showcased their resilience and determination, making the victory even more memorable.
