Ademola Lookman and Atalanta became the first team to beat Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 season after a historic night in the UEL final.
Bayer Leverkusen's incredible 51-match unbeaten run came to a crashing halt as Atalanta and their Nigerian superstar Ademola Lookman spoiled the German giants' treble aspirations in the UEFA Europa League final.
Leverkusen, who were the overwhelming favourites heading into the showpiece event, had been the subject of much speculation regarding their Invincibles run and late-game heroics this season.
21:39 - 22.05.2024
Atalanta 3-0 Leverkusen: Ademola Lookman takes UEL final personal after netting hattrick to make history
Ademola Lookman was the hero as Atalanta thrashed Bayer Leverkusen to lift their first-ever European title.
08:11 - 10.05.2024
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Atalanta players celebrate Lookman
Many football fans had attributed the team's remarkable ability to snatch results from the jaws of defeat to the use of 'juju' or black magic.
However, Atalanta and their talisman Lookman had other plans. The 26-year-old Nigerian forward produced a remarkable individual display, netting a stunning hat-trick to lead the Italian side to a comprehensive 2-0 victory over the previously unbeatable Leverkusen.
Lookman's brace in the first half and the decisive third goal in the second period shattered the dreams of Leverkusen's treble aspirations, making Atalanta the first-ever Serie A club to lift the Europa League trophy.
The Atalanta players were quick to celebrate their hero, Lookman, for his heroics on the night.
The Nigerian's performance not only secured the club's first-ever European title but also cemented his status as a serious contender for the prestigious 2024 CAF Player of the Year award.
This historic triumph marks a significant milestone for Atalanta, as they have etched their name in the annals of European football by becoming the first team to beat the seemingly unstoppable Leverkusen side this season.