After 361 days and 51 games, Bayer Leverkusen finally faced defeat, losing 3-0 to Atalanta in the Europa League final on Wednesday. This loss ended the longest unbeaten streak in Europe since World War II and dashed the German club’s hopes of securing their second trophy of the season. Leverkusen had just completed their Bundesliga season undefeated and were on the brink of an unbeaten year, needing just two more games to achieve this feat.
Ademola Lookman was the star of the match, scoring a hat trick that derailed Leverkusen’s game plan. Lookman struck first in the 12th minute, setting the tone for the game, and added another goal in the 26th minute. He sealed Atalanta’s victory with a spectacular left-footed shot from the corner of the box in the last 15 minutes.
Despite Victor Boniface coming on after halftime in an attempt to stabilize the team, Atalanta’s defense, orchestrated by manager Gian Piero Gasperini, held firm. This victory secured Atalanta’s first major trophy since winning the Coppa Italia in 1963 and marked Gasperini’s 200th win with the Italian club.
Leverkusen’s hopes for more silverware this season aren’t completely dashed, as they still have the opportunity to compete for the DFB Pokal title. They will face FC Kaiserslautern on Saturday, aiming to end their season on a high note.