Lookman ends Leverkusen’s unbeaten Streak, makes history

Bayer Leverkusen’s terrific unbeaten run this season has ended with a UEFA Europa League final defeat to Italian side Atalanta, who had Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman in fine form with a hattrick on the night.

The Nigerian frontman is now the first player to score a hattrick in a UEFA Europa League final, with his goals spread across both halves. It took twelve minutes for him and the Italian team to get going after he combined with Koopmeiners and Zappacosta to dazzle the German Champion’s defence and put the ball past the goalkeeper.

Leverkusen had a 51-match unbeaten run, many of which had gone 2-0 down against Xabi Alonso’s side several times, and it seemed like deja vu when Lookman hit a second for the Italians in the 26th-minute strike.

At that point, it was already looking against Bayer Leverkusen, but the stars seemed aligned for Atalanta in Dublin as they killed off the game with the same man with fifteen minutes left to play.

Expectedly, Lookman, who shone at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, where he led Nigeria to the final against Ivory Coast, said Wednesday’s evening is the best of his career.

“One of the best nights of my life. Amazing performance from the team, we did it, we did it, we did it! Not got much else to say but yeah fantastic. They do always say it is third-time lucky, so yeah, it is for us today [winning a final at the third attempt this season]. I’m just happy we won. We won today so yes very pleased. 100%! We’ve got to celebrate, we made history tonight.” Lookman said.

Xabi Alonso’s side rarely got going, and he will hope that the performance doesn’t repeat itself when they face Kaiserslautern in the DFB Pokal.

Meanwhile, Lookman’s performance will excite newly appointed Nigeria manager Finidi George ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in June.