Ademola Lookman Eyes More Glory Nights After Historic Europa League Hat-Trick
23.05.2024: Ademola Lookman etched his name into Atalanta folklore with a sensational hat-trick in the Europa League final. The Nigeria winger’s performance didn’t catch him by surprise, but it certainly amazed his coach, Gian Piero Gasperini.
Record-Breaking Performance
Lookman became only the sixth player to score a hat-trick in a European final and the first since Jupp Heynckes in 1975. His three goals secured Atalanta’s victory over Bayer Leverkusen, a team that had been unbeaten for 361 days under Xabi Alonso.
From Underdog to Hero
Despite a modest career at Charlton, Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester, Lookman has flourished at Atalanta. He scored 15 goals in each of his two seasons with the Italian club. Gasperini praised Lookman’s transformation: “Nobody could ever imagine he’d make this much progress. I changed his position to a more attacking role, and tonight he achieved something historic.”
Confidence and Consistency
Lookman reflected on his journey from Wandsworth to the European stage, expressing his confidence in his abilities: “I’ve always believed in myself. In the past two years, I’ve taken my game to a new level. This is just the beginning. I hope for more nights like this.”
A Night to Remember
After the final whistle, Lookman described the match as “one of the best nights of my life” and hinted at a celebration in Dublin. He credited his coach and the club for supporting his development: “The first few conversations with Gasperini made me see football differently. It simplified the game for me.”
Community and Support
Lookman’s mentor, Felix Emanus, also shared his joy: “We’ve dreamed about this since Ade was a kid. Tonight was a dream come true. He works so hard and deserves this success.”
Atalanta’s Historic Triumph
This victory marked Atalanta’s second trophy in their 116-year history, their first since the 1963 Coppa Italia. Gasperini, proud of his team’s achievement, highlighted the significance of their win: “Winning with Atalanta is a fairytale. It gives hope for meritocracy in football. We’ve balanced the books while achieving success, which is extraordinary.”
Looking Ahead
As Atalanta celebrates this remarkable win, the focus is on continuing their success. Lookman’s stellar performance and the team’s resilience have set the stage for more historic nights in the future.