Lookman Makes Incredible History As He Fires Atlanta To Their First Europa Trophy

The Bundesliga winners’ 51-match undefeated streak in all competitions came to an abrupt end when Atalanta BC shocked Bayer Leverkusen with a 3-0 victory, making Ademola Lookman the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final.

Few people may have imagined this final matchup at the beginning of the season, pitting an all-conquering Leverkusen team against an Atalanta squad making their maiden appearance in a continental showpiece event, and ending a 22-year wait to play in a European final.

It was a difficult victory over the Bundesliga winners in the final game that made them the seventh Italian team to win the trophy on the continent.

It has been a season to remember for Atalanta. Not only have they lifted the Europa League trophy, but they also reached the Coppa Italia final – losing 1-0 to Juventus – and they look set to finish fifth in Serie A.

That league position, as well as the Europa League triumph, sees them back into the Champions League for the first time since 2020. How far can Gasperini take this side next season

The incredible season of Bayer Leverkusen finally witnessed defeat, but despite their first loss in 52 games, Xabi Alonso and his players still have much to celebrate, and much to play for.

The record of 51 games unbeaten across all competitions broke the record of Benfica from the 1950s as they won their first Bundesliga in style. No defeats in 34 games was a first in the German top flight and in the process, they were able to dethrone Bayern Munich at the top of the table.

There could yet be more domestic glory for Leverkusen on the weekend as they contest the DFB-Pokal final against second-division Kaiserslautern. If they win that game, one where they are massive favourites, they will complete an unbeaten domestic double like few have seen in European football history. [CONTINUE READING HERE]