Ademola Lookman delivered a masterful performance to help Atalanta secure their first-ever European title, defeating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Wednesday. This victory ended Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive 51-game unbeaten streak in emphatic fashion.

Here are the five biggest talking points from the thrilling encounter:

Lookman, Leverkusen’s Biggest Nightmare Ademola Lookman’s brilliance defined the night. His hattrick not only shattered Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten run but also denied Xabi Alonso’s team a historic victory. Lookman’s first goal came from a clever move following a corner, with Davide Zappacosta dribbling into the box and picking out the Nigerian forward at the back post. This opener boosted Atalanta’s confidence, and they maintained intense pressure that Leverkusen struggled to counter. Lookman continued to torment the Leverkusen defense, with his second goal—a right-footed curler after cutting inside—cementing Atalanta’s dominance. He completed his hattrick in the second half with a thunderous strike into the top corner, following a swift counterattack and a perfectly timed pass from Gianluca Scamacca. Lookman’s performance not only secured victory but also etched his name into Europa League history.

Gasperini’s Greatest Career Moment Gian Piero Gasperini, at 66, became the oldest manager to win a Europa League final. For a man who was just five years old when Atalanta last lifted a trophy, this victory was a career-defining moment. Gasperini’s adventurous and attacking style of football has long been admired, and this triumph was a fitting reward for his innovative approach.

Lookman Rewriting the Record Books Ademola Lookman’s first goal made him only the third Nigerian to score in a Europa League final, following in the footsteps of Alex Iwobi for Arsenal and Joe Aribo for Rangers FC. Lookman’s second goal set a record as the first African to score twice in the final of a European club competition. With his hattrick, the former Everton winger joined an elite group, becoming the sixth player to score a hat-trick in the final of a major UEFA competition and the first since Jupp Heynckes in the 1975 UEFA Cup. Lookman’s goals not only brought Atalanta their first European trophy but also ended a 61-year wait for silverware.

Gasperini Outwitting Xabi Alonso Gasperini’s tactical acumen was on full display. His game plan stifled a Leverkusen side that had not tasted defeat all season. Atalanta’s high pressing and relentless pressure from the first whistle ensured Leverkusen had no time or space on the ball, effectively neutralizing their attack. The Serie A side’s performance was a tactical masterclass. Gasperini’s strategy asked his players to execute a specific job, and they delivered flawlessly. While Alonso kept his best strikers—Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick—on the bench until the second half, Gasperini unleashed his Nigerian import from the start and was rewarded beautifully. The high pressing, combined with Lookman’s clinical finishing, made it a night to remember for Atalanta fans.

The End of Bayer Leverkusen’s Unbeaten Run in Europe Bayer Leverkusen entered the final with an impressive record, having come from behind by two goals four times this season without losing any of those matches. Their unbeaten streak spanned 51 games, including an undefeated Bundesliga campaign and deep runs in both the Europa League and the German Cup. However, on this night, Ademola Lookman and Atalanta proved too formidable. Leverkusen, who had prided themselves on their resilience and invincibility, found themselves outclassed and outplayed. Atalanta’s triumph was not just about ending Leverkusen’s streak; it was a testament to their own growth and resilience. The victory will be remembered as a landmark achievement in the club’s history, propelled by Lookman’s unforgettable hattrick and Gasperini’s tactical brilliance.