“Third time lucky” – Lookman glad to lift Europa League trophy after suffering two major disappointments

Ademola Lookman has revealed his delight at living through ‘one of the best nights’ of his life after powering Atalanta BC to lift the 2023/24 Europa League trophy, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman was named the man of the match after bagging a first career hattrick as Atalanta defeated Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final of the Europa League on Wednesday night.

It is Atalanta’s first European title triumph in history and their first major trophy win in over 60 years.

Aside from the FIFA U-20 World Cup he helped England win in 2017, it is also Lookman’s first career trophy.

The Super Eagles forward twice came close to winning major silverware this year but lost out on both occasions.

Lookman was one of Nigeria’s most outstanding players at the 2023 AFCON, where the Super Eagles lost in the final to hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

The former RB Leipzig star was also involved as Juventus defeated Atalanta 1-0 in the final of the Copa Italia a few days ago.

However, Lookman’s third attempt ended in celebration as Atalanta ended Bayer Leverkusen’s incredible unbeaten streak courtesy of a historic hattrick from their Nigerian import.

“One of the best nights of my life,” Lookman told TNT Sports after the game, as per The Independent.

“Amazing performance from the team, we did it, we did it, we did it! Not got much else to say but yeah fantastic.

“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.

“100%! We’ve got to celebrate, we made history tonight.”

On a historic night, Lookman became the first African to score a hattrick in the final of a European club competition.