In a historic match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Atalanta BC secured their first major trophy in 61 years by defeating Bayer Leverkusen with a resounding 3-0 win in the UEFA Europa League final.
Bayer Leverkusen, the newly crowned Bundesliga champions, dream of a perfect campaign is over as Atlanta ended their 51-game unbeaten run in the Europa League final.
Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman emerged as the hero of the night, as he become the first player ever to score a hat-trick in the Europa League final. His goals came in the 12th minute, 26th minute, and 74th minute, securing victory for his team.
Gian Piero Gasperini the Italian professional football manager and former player wins his first trophy ever after his long, excellent career in Italy, and it’s an European trophy.
“It’s not just that we won, it’s *how* we won!”.
“We’ve beaten Liverpool when they were top of PL table, Sporting and now Bayer Leverkusen… we are extremely proud”. he said
Xabi Alonso’s men arrived in Dublin as the favourites on a season long unbeaten run where they regularly notched up remarkable comebacks to keep hold of that record.
It led them to a first Bundesliga title in their history, and also has them in the German Cup final this coming Saturday.
Atalanta lost the Coppa Italia to Juventus, but their Champions League qualification, as well as wins over Liverpool and Marseilles on the way to the final, proved they are no pushovers.
Atalanta president Percassi said: “I’ve no doubts, zero doubts on Gasperini to stay with us”.
“We will meet and discuss again but this trophy will help us to continue together”.
Congratulations to Atalanta BC on their historic triumph! Their victory not only brings glory but also secures their place in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League group stage.
