Leverkusen run ends as Atalanta secure Europa League glory | OneFootball

A fantastic Ademola Lookman hat-trick ensured that Bayer Leverkusen were thrashed by an excellent Atalanta side in the Europa League final as their long unbeaten run finally came to an end, a first competitive defeat in 360 days.

Scorers: Lookman 12′, 25′, 75′

Unbeaten all season to this point, Xabi Alonso’s side began the game on the front foot, with Florian Wirtz at the centre of their early play.

But some loose passes by the German side allowed Atalanta to get a foothold in proceedings, and Gianluca Scamacca saw a header deflected wide with the first effort of the match for either side.

That continued, and La Dea were caught ball-watching as a cross from Davide Zappacosta was pulled behind everyone, allowing Ademola Lookman to sneak in at the back post and poke the ball into the net.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side continued to cause problems for the invincible Germans, with their press catching Leverkusen out on several occasions. In an end to end encounter, Stanisic tested Musso in the Atalanta goal before Scamacca fired over.

But Leverkusen continued to give the ball away in their own half, and finally they were punished when Lookman picked up the ball, before nutmegging Granit Xhaka and curling an excellent low effort into the bottom right corner to double Atalanta’s lead, and handing Leverkusen a mountain to climb.

Alonso’s side began to string passes together as they searched for a goal, with Wirtz mis-controlling when through on goal and Xhaka firing wide before the half time break.

A tactical tweak at half time saw the introduction of Victor Boniface to lead the Leverkusen line, and they immediately looked more secure with the Nigerian at the top of the pitch.

Adli fired dangerously across the box as Die Werkself began to dominate the ball in the Atalanta half without creating anything of note.

La Dea continued to press high, and Wirtz in particular was unable to provide his usual spark and precision in the final third when handed the opportunity, with Leverkusen managing just a single effort in the half an hour after half time.

And their lacklustre display was punished once more with 15 minutes left to play as Lookman completed an outstanding hat-trick, stepping around Edmond Tapsoba before rifling the ball into the top corner.

It was no more than the Italian outfit deserved, having completely nullified Leverkusen all evening, a feat that had yet to be seen this season. For Leverkusen, it was the first time all season that they conceded three goals, and just the second time they didn’t find the back of the net themselves.

Meanwhile, Atalanta took home their first ever European trophy.