So impressive domestically and in Europe this season, perhaps this was just one game too many for Alonso's Leverkusen, who seemed to fly the white flag of surrender just as they donned their white away kit looking battled, thought out and thought out . run by an Atalanta side that can only be admired, just like their hat-trick hero, former Charlton player Ademola Lookman.
Given the dull familiarity of the Champions League, where the same eight teams seem to make it to the quarter-finals every year, with one claiming success in a rather joyless procession, this final was good for the soul, an absorbing match. two groups of loud and lively supporters, and a win for Atalanta for their first European success and a first trophy since an Italian Cup win in 1963.
The focus before the match was mainly on Leverkusen. And that was a mistake, because the Bergamo team was simply brilliant. After twelve minutes Atalanta had the lead, this time with a combination of Teun Koopmeiners and Davide Zappacosta, while Alonso's defense slept as Lookman struck.
Ademola Lookman of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammates, after completing his hat-trick, during the Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin
If Alonso waited for a response from his players, he would be disappointed if Atalanta piled on the pressure instead of retreating and added a second goal, also from Lookman, after 26 minutes.
Leverkusen hurt themselves when a poor ball from keeper Matej Kovar was met by an equally poor header from Amine Adli, Granit Xhaka was watching as the team in blue pounced and Lookman fired in his second.
Leverkusen fans will have wondered how their all-conquering side had been replaced by this limp ensemble, summed up by their first real threat in the 35th minute when Exequiel Palacios was played into a good position but his effort was weak.
A passionate presence on the touchline, Alonso needed not only an exciting half-time team talk but also tactical knowledge with one substitution at half-time but no real change in mood, with Atalanta's substitutes Giorgio Scalvini and Mario Pasalic strengthening their side made. not weaker
Leverkusen offered nothing but Atalanta as they broke through for yet another attack in the 76th minute, Gianluca Scamacca praising the German defense and feeding Lookman, who slotted the ball home with ease. The hat-trick was a remarkable achievement for a player who played in the Sunday League 10 years ago
Atalanta: Musso; Djimsiti, Hjen, Kolasinac (Scalvini 46); Zappacosta (Hateboer 83), Ederson, Koopmeiners, Ruggeri; de Ketelaere (Pasalic 56), Scamacca, Lookman.
Bayer Leverkusen: Kovar; Tapsoba, Tah, Stanisic (Boniface 46); Hincapie, Palacios (Andric 68), Xhaka, Frimpong (Tella 80); Grimaldo (Hlozek 68), Adli, Wirtz (Schick 80).
Referee: I Kovacs (Hungary).