Bayer Leverkusen's hopes for an unbeaten treble were dashed by a Europa League final defeat to Atalanta.





Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman was unstoppable, dashing Bayer Leverkusen’s dream of an unbeaten season with a hat trick of titles. Instead, Lookman was the hero, netting a hat trick in Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Leverkusen in the Europa League final on Wednesday.


The new German champions, who had maintained a European record unbeaten streak of 51 games, were unexpectedly routed by an Atalanta team that had previously triumphed 3-0 in Liverpool during the quarterfinals.


Lookman, the London-born Nigerian international, exploited major errors by Leverkusen players, scoring twice within the first 26 minutes. He sealed his outstanding performance with a precise shot in the 75th minute.


In any normal season, or a typical European final, Atalanta and its veteran coach Gian Piero Gasperini would be a feel-good soccer story.