Ademola Lookman's Hat Trick Fires Atalanta to First European Title, Ends Leverkusen's Unbeaten Run

• Ademola Lookman starred in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen
• The Nigeria forward netted a hat-trick as Atalanta defeated the German champions
• He became the first African player to score a hat-trick in the final of the Europa League

Ademola Lookman inspired Atalanta to their first European title after netting a hat-trick in the final of the Europa League as the Italians ended Bayer Levenkusen's unbeaten run.

Lookman opened the scoring early in the game before adding his second halfway through the first half.

The Nigeria forward completed an incredible hat-trick in the second half, becoming the first African to achieve the magnificent feat.

The Atalanta forward broke the deadlock after blindsiding Exequiel Palacios at the far end to connect to a Davide Zappacosta cross.

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Moments later he produced an incredible move from the left before curling home past the Leverkusen goalkeeper to double the advantage.

He then finished off the game after finishing Gianluca Scammaca's pass with 15 minutes remaining.

The victory handed the Bergamo-based club their first European title while Levekusen tasted their first defeat after 52 matches.

Lookman's heroics has seen him become favourite for the African Player of the Year after winning his first title of the season, having already lost in two finals this year.

Lookman warns Leverkusen ahead of final

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Nigeria forward, Ademola Lookman was confident ahead of the final of the Europa League against unbeaten German side, Bayer Leverkusen.

Lookman is one of the players to watch out for following his incredible run of form since the turn of the year, scoring important goals for both Nigeria and Atalanta.

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His goals in the quarter-final and semi-finals of the Europa League proved crucial as the Italian side eye their first European laurel.

Lookman emerges favourite for CAF POTY

Sports Brief also reported that Ademola Lookman became one of the frontrunners for CAF's 2024 African Player of the Year award after an outstanding run with both club and country this year.

The 26-year-old starred as Atalanta reached their second final of the year following victory over Olympique Marseille in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night, May 9.

Lookman scored and provided an assist in the 3-0 win in Bergamo as the Italians strolled to a 4-1 aggregate win.