Lookman’s excellent strike for Atalanta v Bayer Leverkusen makes Europa League Goal of the Year list

Ademola Lookman’s brilliant third goal against Atalanta in the final of the Europa League has been named among the tournament’s best goals of the year 2024, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman produced one of the most accomplished performances in the final of a European Cup competition when he blasted a stunning hat-trick to power Atalanta to a commanding 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen back in May.

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In what was the first time that an African would score three goals in the final of a European competition, Lookman scored in the 12th, 26th amd 75th minute as Atalanta lifted the Europa League for the first time.

The Super Eagles forward got on the end of a Davide Zappacosta’s low cross to open the scoring before pulling off a smart dribble and curling an excellent finish for his side’s second.

For his third goal, Lookman sidestepped his marker before rifling an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net to sap off any last drop of resistance left in the previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen.

Reflecting on an incredible, goal-filled 2024, UEFA compiled a month-by-month video of the most memorable goals scored in the Europa League.

The Lookman stepover and smash @Atalanta_BC | #UEL pic.twitter.com/G6zDJ6QGCA

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) December 31, 2024

And Lookman’s third goal against Bayer Leverkusen featured for the month of May.

AC Milan and Portugal star Rafael Leao’s strike against Slavia Prague got the nod for March, while Angel Di Maria’s goal for Benfica against Marseille top the chart for April among several others.

Lookman capped a memorable 2024 by winning the CAF Player of the Year award, becoming the sixth Nigerian to be so honoured.

Following their Europa League triumph, the 27-year-old attacker appears poised to lead Atalanta to a first Scudetto title in their history this year.

Atalanta are currently joint leaders of the Italian Serie A table alongside champions Inter Milan, with Lookman contributing nine goals and five assists in 15 league games.