Bayer Leverkusen’s Unbeaten Run Ended by Atalanta in Europa League Final

Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman was the standout player as Bayer Leverkusen's dream of completing an entire season unbeaten and securing a hat trick of titles was shattered. Lookman scored all three goals in Atalanta's 3-0 victory over Leverkusen in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

Leverkusen, the newly crowned German champions, saw their European record unbeaten run stopped at 51 games by an Atalanta side that had previously triumphed 3-0 over Liverpool in the quarterfinals.

Lookman, a London-born Nigeria international, capitalized on significant errors by Leverkusen to score twice in the first 26 minutes, adding a third with a powerful shot in the 75th minute. "It's one of the best nights of my life," said the 26-year-old Lookman, reflecting on his journey from being loaned out and then sold by both Everton and Leipzig to finding success with Atalanta. "I've always had the confidence."

Atalanta, led by veteran coach Gian Piero Gasperini, prevented Leverkusen from achieving European soccer immortality. "There is still scope for meritocracy and ideas and not cold hard numbers and Super Leagues," Gasperini remarked, highlighting Atalanta's financial prudence and success amid the big-money era of soccer.

Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso now faces the task of preparing his team for the German Cup final against second-tier Kaiserslautern in Berlin on Saturday, where they are the favorites. "It has been quite exceptional what we have achieved. Today it is painful," Alonso commented.

During the final minutes in Dublin, Alonso stood alone in front of the team dugout, alternating between hands in pockets and arms folded, while Gasperini celebrated with his players and staff.

Alonso's key selection choice was to start Exequiel Palacios in midfield over Robert Andrich. However, Palacios was at fault for the opening goal, failing to mark Lookman at the far post when Davide Zappacosta's cross reached him, allowing Lookman to score with a rising shot.

Lookman scored again in the 26th minute after Leverkusen lost possession in their half. Amine Adli's misdirected header fell to Lookman, who evaded Granit Xhaka's tackle and curled a shot into the corner of the net.

Despite trailing 2-0 in a Europa League knockout round game for the fourth time since March, Leverkusen could not mount a comeback. Their usual late and stoppage-time goals did not materialize this time.

Atalanta fans, outnumbered 12,000 to 9,000 by Leverkusen supporters in the 47,135 crowd, created a vibrant atmosphere, even before the goals were scored. Among them was Bergamo's mayor, Giorgio Gori, who chose to sit with the fans instead of in the VIP section.

Atalanta's players matched their fans' enthusiasm with a physically committed performance, disrupting Leverkusen's typically elegant style with tight marking. Leverkusen struggled to create chances, with Álex Grimaldo's weak lob and Jeremie Frimpong's high volley being their best opportunities.

Gasperini, who has coached Atalanta since 2016, reflected on the significance of the win for Bergamo, a city heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic four years ago. “We won't be able to do away with all of that pain,” he said, “but we have managed to put a smile on the Bergamesque people.”