Atalanta Bergamo corrects Bayer Leverkusen and wins the title

Atalanta Bergamo brought down Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final this Wednesday, May 22 in Dublin (3-0). Nigerian international Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick in the Irish capital.

Published on: 05/22/2024 – 10:52 p.m. Modified on: 05/22/2024 – 10:57 p.m.

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« Nobody is unbeatable », estimated Martin de Roon, the captain of Atalanta Bergamo, opposed in the Europa League final in Dublin to Bayer Leverkusen, still undefeated this season after 51 contested matches (first club in German history to complete a year without the slightest defeat).

« We have to believe in ourselves, in our philosophy, and play attacking football. You don’t win a trophy by not beating the best », Continued the Dutch midfielder, who accompanied his partners to Ireland despite his injury.

Ademola Lookman, man of the match

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini also wanted to be confident on the eve of facing Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. “ We are aware that we are facing a great team. We know they are undefeated and have had an incredible season. But our journey was also very good: we beat very good teams to reach the final and we have faith in ourselves “, he explained.

The bet paid off for the Italian club which was able to count on Nigerian international Ademola Lookman. The latter opened the scoring in the 12th minute with his left foot. He then scored his double with a powerful strike from the right, after making a magnificent little bridge over Xhaka (26th).

A second title for Bergamo

Xavi’s men have never succeeded in destabilizing the Italians. Worse, in the second half, on a powerful strike from the left, Ademola Lookman sent the ball into the top corner to score a magical hat-trick (75th). The Germans will not come back at the end of the match. Yet it was their trademark this year. The German champions end their formidable season on a false note.

After their defeat last week in the final of the Italian Cup against Juventus (1-0), the Lombards of Bergamo were looking for the second trophy in their history, 61 years after the only title they had won, the Italian Cup in 1963. It’s done. Atalanta in turn eliminated Sporting Portugal, Liverpool, favorite of the competition, and finally Marseille, before adding this Europa League finally won against Leverkusen to its modest cabinet.