May 22nd 2024.
Ademola Lookman was the unlikely hero of the night as he led Atalanta to victory and claimed the Europa League trophy. The young footballer, who was at a loss for words, described it as one of the best nights of his life. His incredible hat-trick secured a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, who were on an unbeaten streak of 51 matches.
The pre-match focus was on Leverkusen's impressive record, with Xabi Alonso's team remaining undefeated in all competitions leading up to the final in Dublin. However, Lookman, a former Charlton and Everton player, stole the show with his three goals, igniting the Aviva Stadium with his outstanding performance. This was Atalanta's redemption after their heartbreaking loss to Juventus in the Coppa Italia just a week earlier.
Lookman's hat-trick was a historic moment as he became the first player to score three goals in a single-leg Europa League final and the first African player to score twice in a major UEFA competition final. The team's jubilant celebration at the end of the game reflected the significance of their achievement, securing their first ever European trophy in the club's 117-year history.
Leverkusen, who dominated the Bundesliga with a 17-point lead over Stuttgart, will now turn their focus to the German cup final against Kaiserslautern on Saturday. As for Lookman, he couldn't contain his joy as he spoke to TNT Sports right after the final whistle. He described it as one of the best nights of his life and praised the amazing performance of his team.
This was a moment of redemption for Lookman, who had previously been on the losing side in the Coppa Italia final and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final. He expressed his happiness at finally achieving success on his third attempt. When asked about celebrating their victory, Lookman replied with a resounding "100%", stating that they had made history that night.
Former England and Liverpool striker Peter Crouch, who was analysing the game for TNT Sports, highlighted Lookman's journey to this moment. He described it as an inspiration for other players who may have faced difficult experiences in their careers. Lookman had faced setbacks while on loan and even after joining a big club like Everton, he had to go abroad to find success. Crouch credited the young footballer for bouncing back and becoming the difference-maker in the Europa League final.
Another former Chelsea star, Joe Cole, joined in the praise for Lookman, applauding his perseverance through tough times and writing himself into the history books. He also highlighted the importance of facing and overcoming adversity in order to achieve success in the highly competitive world of football. Lookman's agent may be feeling quite pleased with the negotiations following his client's incredible performance.
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