Atalanta clinch Europa League title to end Leverkusen's 'exceptional' unbeaten run

Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable unbeaten season came to an end in Dublin on Wednesday night as Ademola Lookman scored a stunning hat-trick to guide Atalanta to the Europa League title.

Leverkusen last week clinched their first-ever Bundesliga title, doing so without losing a game, and Xabi Alonso's side were on course for a treble having previously only won one trophy in their 117-year history.

However, an inspired display from winger Lookman scuppered the German club's dreams of European glory.

Lookman, who struggled to establish himself in the Premier League with Everton, Fulham and Leicester City before reviving his career in Italy under Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini, struck twice inside the first 26 minutes before sealing the win 15 minutes from full time.

The victory ended Gasperini's own two-decade long pursuit of major silverware as his side outplayed Leverkusen – or 'Neverlusen' as they had been dubbed after going an incredible 51 games unbeaten.

But just as they did against Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and three-time finalists Marseille in the previous two rounds, Atalanta didn't give their opponents a sniff to mark their first European final with a famous victory.

"We needed to be attacking, it was not enough just to defend. We know these teams are great at attacking. Everyone was extraordinary," Gasperini told Sky Sports Italia, referring to the teams his side beat to become the first Italian winners of the competition since Parma 25 years ago.

"The way we did it was the most important thing, we deserved it without a shadow of a doubt against such a strong team. Winning the Europa League is an extraordinary achievement."

Leverkusen started the game looking decidedly unsure of themselves and some