Atalanta 3-0 Bayer Leverkusen – Ademola Lookman marks historic Europa League win

Ademola Lookman was proud to make history after his hat-trick inspired Atalanta to Europa League glory against Bayer Leverkusen.

The 26-year-old Wandsworth-born striker – released from Charlton Athletic's Sunday football game – scored three superb goals as La Dea won their first silverware since 1963.

On that occasion he became the first player since 1975 to score three goals in a UEFA competition final – although in those days finals were over two legs.

The Nigerian player told TNT Sports: “I have no words. The best night of my life. It was an amazing team performance. We did it – it's fun. I'm just happy that we won. We made history tonight.”

CAMPIONIIIIIIII 🖤💙🏆🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/VAS0vMhksU

– Atalanta BC (@Atalanta_BC) May 22, 2024

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini – who saw his side recover from defeat to Juventus in the Coppa Italia final seven days ago – said his side had written their name in the history books.

He told uefa.com: “I think we wrote history, and the way we won it. It was amazing, we beat Liverpool, Sporting, who won the championship. When we faced Liverpool they were starting in the Premier League… And now they are German champions.

“Unbelievable. The boys were amazing, an unforgettable game.

“We usually play with three players up front. We had to try to be dangerous, it's a final and the important thing is to win. We knew that playing this way would give us advantages, it was an unusual game.”