[서울=뉴스핌] Reporter Park Sang-wook = Storm of Atlanta breaks Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak. It additionally shattered European gamblers’ expectations that Leverkusen would win. Atalanta beat Leverkusen 3-0 within the 2023-2024 UEFA Europa League Last on the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Eire at 4am on the twenty third (Korean time), led by Ademola Lookman’s hat trick.
Atalanta, which boasts a protracted historical past of 116 years since its founding in 1907, loved the joys of successful its first European competitors by successful the Europa Trophy. Atalanta, a mid-sized membership hovering across the mid-tier of Italy’s Serie A, has change into a group able to competing within the UEFA Champions League since coach Gasperini took over in 2016. Though progressing to this season’s Europa League closing was thought of a shock, ‘Gasperini’s magic’ led to victory.
However, coach Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, who gained the Bundesliga for the primary time in 120 years since its founding in 1904 with an ‘undefeated championship’, failed to realize the ‘mini treble’ they each dreamed of heading in the direction of. UEL and German Soccer Affiliation (DFB) Pokal Last. Additionally, their 51-game unbeaten streak ended.
Atalanta confronted heavy stress from ‘miracle group’ Leverkusen. Atalanta broke the momentum of Leverkusen with Lukman’s first purpose. Within the twelfth minute of the primary half, Lukman completed with a left footed cross from Zappacosta. Leverkusen had their disappointment swallowed up within the 18th minute of the primary half when Josip Stanisic’s shot went straight on the keeper.
Within the twenty sixth minute of the primary half, Leverkusen’s missed cross was intercepted by Lukman. After getting previous a defender, he scored an additional purpose with a right-footed curling kick.
Atlanta led 2-0 within the second half. Leverkusen ditched Stanisic and introduced in front-line striker Boniface. They tried to discover a method to be offensive, however Atlanta’s protection had issue attacking.
Within the thirtieth minute of the second half, Skamaca, who caught the ball throughout an Atalanta counter-attack, stepped ahead and handed to Lukman, who was operating down the left. Luqman recorded the primary hat-trick in UEL historical past with a strong left-footed shot.
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