Kylian Mbappé did it in the World Cup final, in 2022, but never in a European Cup. This Wednesday evening, Ademola Lookman managed to score three goals during the Europa League final, won by Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen (3-0). No one has achieved such a feat in a major European competition since 1975.
The last player to score a hat-trick in a European Cup final was Jupp Heynckes, with Borussia Mönchengladbach, against FC Twente. In history, this performance has only occurred six times. Madrilenian Ferenc Puskas achieved it twice with Real Madrid, Alfredo Di Stefano once with Casa Blanca as well, and Pierino Prati for his part did it with AC Milan.
6 – Ademola Lookman scored the 6th hat-trick in the final of a major European competition, the 1st since that of Jupp Heynckes for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the 1975 UEFA Cup. Hats off. #ATAB04 pic.twitter.com/1GYUPVmwlw
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) May 22, 2024
Ademola Lookman, Nigerian international winger, also became the first African player to score two or more goals in the final of a major European competition. His first goal of the evening came in the 12th minute, receiving a cross from Teun Koopmeiners at the far post.
” It’s fantastic “
In the 26th minute, he scored a little gem this time, eliminating Granit Finally, he completed his work in the 75th minute. With a leg pass, he played against Edmond Tapsoba, before striking forcefully, with his left foot, into the opposite corner of the German goal.
The Nigerian winger led Atalanta to their first title since the 1963 Italian Cup. At the same time, he brought down Bayer Leverkusen, undefeated for 51 games, and unrecognizable this Wednesday evening. “It’s fantastic, it’s one of the best days of the career,” said Ademola Lookman on Canal +. I played my football, and the team helped me a lot. »
