Bayer Leverkusen's impressive unbeaten streak and pursuit of a treble came to an end with a disappointing loss in the Europa League final against Atalanta.
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
Atalanta's winger Ademola Lookman proved to be unstoppable, dashing Bayer Leverkusen's hopes of an undefeated season and a triumphant trio of titles. Instead, Lookman emerged as the hat-trick hero in Atalanta's commanding 3-0 victory over Leverkusen in the Europa League final on Wednesday.
The defeat came as a shock to the newly crowned German champions, whose remarkable streak of 51 consecutive unbeaten European matches was abruptly halted by Atalanta, a team that had previously secured a stunning 3-0 victory over Liverpool in the quarterfinals.
Lookman, the Nigeria international born in London, capitalized on significant errors made by Leverkusen players, netting twice within the first 26 minutes of the match. In a game where the favorites struggled to find their rhythm, Lookman completed his remarkable individual performance with a precise strike in the 75th minute.
In a typical European final, Atalanta and their seasoned coach Gian Piero Gasperini would be hailed as a heartwarming soccer tale. What's not to admire for neutral fans in an era dominated by big-money leagues like the Super League? Here was a well-managed club hailing from a modest provincial town, showcasing attractive football on a limited budget under the guidance of a devoted coach, all poised to clinch their first top-level trophy in 61 years.
However, fate cast Atalanta in an unexpected role as the spoiler, thwarting Bayer Leverkusen's bid for European soccer glory.
Now, Bayer Leverkusen's coach, Xabi Alonso, faces the task of lifting his players' spirits for the German Cup final on Saturday. They enter as heavy favorites against second-tier Kaiserslautern at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.
As the final minutes unfolded in Dublin, Alonso stood alone near the team dugout, witnessing his side's defeat. His hands alternated between slipping into the pockets of his sleek black jeans and folding across his chest.
Meanwhile, a spirited Gian Piero Gasperini, clad in a high-zipped black jacket to combat the evening chill, danced alongside his players and staff in anticipation of the final whistle.
Alonso's crucial decision on Wednesday was to favor Exequiel Palacios over Robert Andrich in midfield. However, the 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina found himself at fault for Atalanta's opening goal.
Palacios, stationed at the far post, failed to detect Ademola Lookman sneaking in behind him as a cross from Davide Zappacosta found its way across the goalmouth. Lookman seized the opportunity with a rising shot, putting Atalanta ahead 1-0.
Leverkusen's woes deepened in the 26th minute when they once again conceded possession in their own half. Amine Adli's misplaced header back to his defense fell to Lookman, who capitalized with clinical precision, doubling Atalanta's lead to 2-0.
Dodging Granit Xhaka's tackle, the ex-Everton player skillfully curled a right-footed shot into the corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Matěj Kovář diving to his left in vain.
This marked the fourth instance since March that Leverkusen found themselves trailing 2-0 in a Europa League knockout round game. However, their unbeaten streak had never felt more precarious. Despite a season filled with late and stoppage-time goals, Leverkusen failed to conjure their usual late-game magic on this occasion.
