Ademola Lookman put on the performance of a lifetime on Wednesday night, earning a perfect 10/10 rating from L’Equipe for his exceptional performance in the UEFA Europa League Final. The Nigerian international’s hat-trick led Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, ending the club’s 61-year wait for a major trophy.
Lookman’s performance was outstanding. Bayer Leverkusen, the Bundesliga champions, had been unbeaten in all competitions this season, but they couldn’t withstand Lookman’s pace, skill, and outstanding finishing. His first goal came from a sharp one-touch finish inside the box, giving Atalanta an early lead.
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He then scored a second with a precise shot from the edge of the box after an audacious nutmeg, and completed his hat-trick with a powerful shot into the top-right corner after beating his man on the outside. This impressive display not only secured the win for Atalanta but also earned Lookman a place in an exclusive group of players who have received a perfect score from L’Equipe.
L’Equipe praised Lookman’s performance, calling it “The perfect match.” The French outlet highlighted his technical skill and composure, stating, “The Nigerian scored three magnificent goals… A center forward’s goal, a technical feat amidst several defenders, and a masterpiece to seal the victory.”
Lookman joins the ranks of icons like Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, who have also received perfect scores since L’Equipe’s famously harsh rating system caught the attention of the general public. In fact, Lookman’s perfect 10 was only the 18th such score in the publication’s history.
Haaland’s last 10/10 came after he scored five goals against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League, while Messi’s were awarded for his performances for Barcelona against Leverkusen in 2010 and Arsenal in 2012. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo has never achieved this honour, highlighting the rarity and significance of Lookman’s achievement.
Bayer Leverkusen, aiming to stay unbeaten this season, struggled against Lookman’s performance. Key players like Xabi Alonso, Granit Xhaka, Victor Boniface, and Florian Wirtz couldn’t find their feet in the game, and the team couldn’t respond to Lookman’s goals. This loss will weigh heavily on them as they prepare for the DFB Pokal final next weekend.
For Atalanta, this victory is a historic moment. The team’s players and fans celebrated alongside each other as they lifted their first European trophy. Lookman, surrounded by his teammates, was the star of the night, delivering a performance that will be remembered for a long time.
Lookman’s journey to this success highlights his talent and hard work. In a wholesome interview after the final whistle, his boyhood coach shared an encouraging message he sent to Lookman before the match, telling him to express himself and play the way that he did when he was a youngster in London. This backing, along with Lookman’s determination, has etched his name into the history books as he joins a select group to have scored a hat-trick in a European final.
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1 Comment
by ABIEYUWA EFOSA
Weldon boy. Keep it up, I hope to emulate you on the carried been my fellow countryman