Europa League final: Nigeria’s Lookman the hero as Atalanta stun Leverkusen
Al Jazeera
Lookman’s stunning hat-trick brings Atalanta their first trophy in 117 years and an end to ‘Neverlusen’s’ unbeaten run.
Ademola Lookman scored a stunning hat-trick as Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the Europa League final to win just the second major trophy in their 117-year history and end the German champions’ remarkable unbeaten streak.
Lookman, who struggled to establish himself in the English 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 on Wednesday night.
The victory ended Gasperini’s own two-decade-long pursuit of major silverware as his side totally outplayed Xabi Alonso’s 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 Olympique de Marseille in the previous two rounds, Atalanta didn’t give their opponents a sniff and marked 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.
Price for a dozen eggs has increased by more than 60 percent over the last year as millions of birds killed.
Moscow kicks out the diplomat, who, it says, was ‘conducting intelligence and subversive work that threatens the security of Russia’.
The ICC will decide next steps for the Pakistan-hosted tournament after India refused to travel to the country.
Authorities says five more people have been rescued, bringing the total to 33 survivors while seven remain missing.
Justin Trudeau and Claudia Sheinbaum urge dialogue as Donald Trump plans to hit US neighbours with 25-percent tariffs.
Officials have arrested a group of 14 people who emerged unassisted, including a teenage boy.
Despite claims its election victory is illegitimate, Georgian Dream party plans vote for new president on December 14, using rules it pushed through in 2017.
A court in Chittagong denied bail to the man charged with sedition as India cautioned about justice for minorities.
The federal criminal cases against Trump relating to 2020 election interference and mishandling of classified documents will no longer go ahead.
Violent clashes continue in Islamabad as security forces use tear gas, rubber bullets to disperse advancing protesters.