Lookman’s Hat-Trick Powers Atalanta To Historic Europa League Triumph

Published

1 year ago

May 23, 2024

Ademola Lookman fired Atalanta to Europa League glory with a sensational hat-trick, sealing a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the final on Wednesday.

This triumph marks Atalanta’s second major trophy in their 117-year history and breaks Italy’s 25-year drought in the competition, last won by Parma in 1999 when it was known as the UEFA Cup.

Manager Gian Piero Gasperini expressed immense pride in his squad, heralding the victory as the end of “cursed” years for Italian clubs in the Europa League.

Lookman, whose career resurgence under Gasperini has been noteworthy, opened the scoring early with a precise finish after a brilliant run by Davide Zappacosta.

He doubled the lead with a stunning right-footed strike from outside the box, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by Leverkusen.

The Nigerian forward completed his hat-trick 15 minutes before full-time, sealing the fate of the German champions, who had been unbeaten in 51 games before this final.

Ademola Lookman etched his name in the history books on Wednesday by becoming the first player to ever score a hat-trick in a Europa League final.

Turkey: Osimhen scoops Goal of the season award

Published

1 day ago

June 18, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Victor Osimhen has won the Turkish Super Lig Goal of the Season for 2024/25, Ekwutosblog reports.

Osimhen won the award for his superb bicycle kick against Antalyaspor.

The spectacular strike came in stoppage time of Galatasaray’s 3-0 win at the RAMS Park.

It was the Nigeria international’s third league goal for the Yellow and Reds.

The 26-year-old finished as top scorer in the league with 26 goals.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan deal from Napoli last September.

Club World Cup: Liam Delap speaks after providing assist on Chelsea debut

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

New Chelsea striker, Liam Delap, has expressed his happiness at making his debut for the club.

Delap arrived from Ipswich Town this summer after the Blues triggered his 30million release clause.

Enzo Maresca started the 22-year-old on the bench for their Club World Cup opener against Los Angeles FC on Monday.

Delap came on with Chelsea leading 1-0 thanks to Pedro Neto and laid on the assist for the second scored for Enzo Fernandez in the 79th minute.

Speaking after the game, Delap told Channel 5: “It’s a really happy feeling for me. I’m so excited to be here and to play my first game and be able to contribute is a good feeling.

“The team have welcomed me really well. I have only had a few sessions here but I am excited for more.”

On if we can expect to see more assists from him, he added: “Yes of course it is good to help the team but I want to score some as well.”

Club World Cup: We’ve never won it before – Vinicius rates Real Madrid’s chances

Published

3 days ago

June 16, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Real Madrid winger, Vinicius Junior, has expressed confidence that his team will win this year’s FIFA Club World Cup.

According to the Brazilian, the new Club World Cup expanded format is the only title that the Los Blancos have never won before.

According to him, Xabi Alonso’s side are eager to win it because people never forget the first one.

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s first Club World Cup tie with Al-Hilal on Wednesday, Vinicius said as quoted by Madrid Xtra: “We are eager to win this first Club World Cup because people never forget the first one.

“It’s the only title Real Madrid doesn’t have. We are going for it,” he stated.

Real Madrid are in Group H of the Club World Cup, taking place in the USA.

The Spanish LaLiga giants will also face Pachuca and RB Salzburg in the group stage.