Atalanta have won the Europa League trophy, defeating Bayer Leverkusen 3:0 last night in Dublin. Ademola Lookman was the hero for the Italian side as he scored all 3 goals of the match. He opened the score in the 12th minute, and increased Atalanta’s lead to two goals in the 26th minute before completing the final score with 75 minutes gone. With the achievement, Lookman becomes the first African player to score more than a goal in a major European final. The trophy is first for Atalanta in 60 years, and first ever on the continental stage. The victory also means that the club will play in the Champions League next season, with their Serie A standing not to be taken into consideration.
History makers 🥹🏆@johnsportraits x #UELfinal pic.twitter.com/wXYYoRhLi5
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 22, 2024
Bayer Leverkusen’s amazing run stopped at 361 days, and 51 matches without tasting defeat. Xabi Alonso’s players were denied the chance of a treble but they still have one game to play, and another trophy to fight for. On Saturday, Leverkusen meets Stuttgart in DFB Pokal final and a victory will deliver a domestic double to the club.