Watch: Lookman's historic hat-trick earns European glory for Atalanta
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Bayer Leverkusen's 51-match unbeaten run is over after Ademola Lookman fired a devastating hat-trick to give Atalanta a dominant 3-0 victory in Wednesday's Europa League final.
Lookman's treble was the sixth to be registered in the final of a major UEFA competition. It's the first since Jupp Heynckes scored three goals for Borussia Monchengladbach in the second game of the two-legged 1975 UEFA Cup showpiece.
After opening the scoring in the 12th minute from close range, Lookman punished Leverkusen again 14 minutes later, cutting inside and unleashing a powerful shot from outside the box to double Atalanta's advantage.
(Available to view in U.S. only)
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN GETS HIS BRACE 💥
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 22, 2024
Dream start to the #UELFinal for Atalanta 🤩 pic.twitter.com/6xjqsYqt1R
(Available to view in Canada only)
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN IS ON FIRE AND IT'S 2-0 TO ATALANTA 🔥#UELfinal | LIVE and FREE on https://t.co/TXkdWVGxk1 pic.twitter.com/cKtnRnk8H2
— DAZN Canada (@DAZN_CA) May 22, 2024
The Nigerian international, who was born in England, saved his best goal for last. Edmond Tapsoba allowed Lookman the space to produce some trickery, shift the ball onto his left foot, and smash a vicious shot into the top corner.
(Available to view in U.S. only)
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN WITH THE FIRST HAT-TRICK IN #UELFINAL HISTORY 🔥 pic.twitter.com/b3pg4M8Pt7
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 22, 2024
(Available to view in Canada only)
🚨 ADEMOLA LOOKMAN HAT-TRICK 🚨#UELfinal | LIVE and FREE on https://t.co/TXkdWVGxk1 pic.twitter.com/fJ02ZXKEx0
— DAZN Canada (@DAZN_CA) May 22, 2024
Lookman's starring role marks an incredible resurgence for the winger. The 26-year-old showed great promise while emerging from the ranks of Charlton Athletic but struggled for consistency at Everton and RB Leipzig before forgettable loan spells with Fulham and Leicester City. He joined Atalanta in 2022.
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