Ademola Lookman expressed his delight after leading Atalanta BC to a historic 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 Europa League final, as reported by MySportDab.
Lookman, who scored his first career hat-trick, was named Man of the Match in what he described as “one of the best nights” of his life.
Atalanta’s victory marks their first European title and their first major trophy in over 60 years. This win also stands as Lookman’s first career trophy, aside from the FIFA U-20 World Cup he helped England secure in 2017.
The Super Eagles forward had faced near-misses earlier this year, losing in the 2023 AFCON final to hosts Cote d’Ivoire and falling short in the Copa Italia final against Juventus. However, Lookman’s perseverance paid off as his stellar performance ended Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak and secured a historic win for Atalanta.
Reflecting on the victory, Lookman told TNT Sports, “One of the best nights of my life. Amazing performance from the team, we did it, we did it, we did it! Not got much else to say but yeah, fantastic.”
Emphasizing the significance of their triumph, he added, “They do always say third time lucky, so yeah it is for us today [winning a final at the third attempt this season]. I’m just happy we won. We won today so yes, very pleased.”
The night was doubly historic as Lookman became the first African player to score a hat-trick in the final of a European club competition. His remarkable achievement has etched both his and Atalanta’s names into the annals of football history.
“We’ve got to celebrate, we made history tonight,” Lookman concluded, encapsulating the joy and significance of Atalanta’s momentous victory.
