Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman played a pivotal role as Bayer Leverkusen’s quest for an unbeaten season and a trio of titles came to an abrupt end.
Lookman was the standout performer, scoring all three goals in Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Leverkusen in the Europa League final on Wednesday.
The defeat was unexpected for the German champions, whose record-setting unbeaten streak in European competitions halted at 51 matches. Atalanta, who had previously triumphed 3-0 against Liverpool in the quarterfinals, delivered a decisive blow.
The London-born Nigeria international exploited critical errors by Leverkusen’s defense, netting twice in the first 26 minutes. Lookman completed his hat trick with a precise shot in the 75th minute.
“It’s one of the best nights of my life,” said the 26-year-old Lookman, reflecting on his journey from being loaned out and sold by Everton and Leipzig to finding his place at Atalanta. “I’ve always had the confidence.”
Atalanta, under veteran coach Gian Piero Gasperini, thwarted Leverkusen’s ambitions, emerging as the feel-good story with their first major trophy in 61 years. The club from the small provincial city, known for its attractive soccer on a modest budget, stood as a testament to meritocracy in the modern era dominated by big-money clubs.
“There is still scope for meritocracy and ideas and not cold hard numbers and Super Leagues,” said Gasperini. He highlighted Atalanta’s financial prudence on a day when his former club Inter Milan faced ownership changes due to financial issues.
Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso now faces the challenge of rallying his team for the German Cup final on Saturday, where they are the heavy favorites against second-tier Kaiserslautern at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.
“It has been quite exceptional what we have achieved. Today it is painful,” Alonso remarked.
As the final minutes ticked away in Dublin, Alonso stood alone in front of the team dugout, hands in pockets or arms folded, while Gasperini celebrated with his players and staff.
Alonso’s key selection choice was starting Exequiel Palacios over Robert Andrich in midfield. However, Palacios was at fault for the first goal, losing track of Lookman, who capitalized on a cross from Davide Zappacosta to score.
Leverkusen’s troubles continued when Amine Adli’s errant header gifted Lookman another chance, which he converted by eluding Granit Xhaka and curling a shot past goalkeeper Matěj Kovář.
Despite trailing 2-0 in previous Europa League knockout rounds, Leverkusen’s resilience failed this time. The team’s typical late-game heroics were absent.
Atalanta’s supporters, although outnumbered 12,000 to 9,000 by Leverkusen fans in the 47,135-strong crowd, were vocally dominant. Bergamo’s mayor, Giorgio Gori, joined the fans instead of sitting with VIPs.
Atalanta’s aggressive play from the start disrupted Leverkusen’s usually elegant style. Scoring chances for Leverkusen were rare, with Álex Grimaldo’s weak lob and Jeremie Frimpong’s wayward volley among the few attempts.
Reflecting on Bergamo’s suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gasperini acknowledged the emotional victory. “We won’t be able to do away with all of that pain, but we have managed to put a smile on the Bergamesque people.”
