Atalanta Bergamo won the Europa League final by beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0. In a beautiful final, Ademola Lookman was Bergamo’s absolute hero by scoring three times. With the victory, Atalanta wins its first European top prize since the club was founded in 1907.
Leverkusen – which was undefeated in all competitions this season – lost for the first time after 51 games.
Basic locations Koopmeiners and Frimpong
In Dublin, Teun Koopmeiners was in the starting line-up for Atalanta and Jeremie Frimpong started for Bayer Leverkusen. Marten de Roon missed the game due to an injury, Hans Hateboer and Mitchel Bakker had to settle for a place on the bench.
There was also good news for Xabi Alonso, who again had access to a fit Florian Wirtz. He was back in the starting lineup after not being able to start the past four games. Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini compensated for the loss of De Roon by moving Koopmeiners back a line and posting Ademola Lookman as an attacking midfielder.
Lookman talisman at great Atalanta
Gasperini’s tactical inspiration turned out to be a golden opportunity. Atalanta was on top of Leverkusen from the first minute. Alonso’s well-oiled machine faltered on all sides and was at times turned upside down. I Nerazzurri they deservedly made it 1-0 in the twelfth minute of the match. Davide Zappacosta broke through on the right, crossed low and found Lookman. The Nigerian shot into the short corner and brought the black/blue part of the stadium into ecstasy.
After the 1-0, the Italian hunger was not yet satisfied. Atalanta continued to put pressure and Leverkusen was not involved. In the 26th minute it became 2-0. Amine Adli made a mistake and handed the ball to Lookman. The 26-year-old winger took full advantage and curled the ball beautifully into the far corner.
After 51 games without defeat, Leverkusen faced its first loss. Especially when Alex Grimaldo squandered the biggest chance on behalf of the Germans.
Against all expectations, Atalanta went into the break with a 2-0 lead against the favorite, but if we have seen one thing from the Germans this season; the team never gives up.
Leverkusen cannot break through the Italian wall, Lookman completes hat trick
After the half-time signal, Leverkusen went all out on the attack. Frimpong, among others, had an opportunity, but shot well over. Even though Leverkusen wanted to, it didn’t seem to work out. Atalanta defended tooth and nail and did not leave an inch of space in the Italian wall.
The courage slowly sank German champion. It saw attack after attack result in loss of ball. Time was ticking away in Dublin and Leverkusen was moving forward with more and more men. On the other hand, that of course also offered more space for a quick counter.
That also came in the 76th minute. The great playing Gianluca Scamacca gave the ball to Lookman. The match winner passed Edmond Tapsoba and shot the ball into the net in a phenomenal way: 3-0.
After that hammer blow, Leverkusen still tried. There were still some chances for the Germans, but they no longer scored any goals.
Hans Hateboer came on after 84 minutes and was also allowed to enjoy Atalanta’s gala show on the field. De Roon, Koopmeiners, Bakker and Hateboer win the Europa League, Frimpong loses for the first time this season.
2024-05-23 02:48:45
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