UCL: Ademola Lookman leads Atalanta to five-star performance

By Saheed Afolabi

Ademola Lookman played a starring role as Atalanta cruised to a dominant 5-0 victory over Sturm Graz in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Nigerian international capped off a memorable performance with both a goal and an assist at the Gewiss Stadium, helping secure Atalanta’s spot in the knockout stages.

Atalanta took the lead early in the match, with Mateo Retegui finishing coolly in the 12th minute.

Thirteen minutes into the second half, Mario Pašalić doubled the advantage with a determined strike, and Charles De Ketelaere made it 3-0 in the 63rd minute after a corner-kick scramble.

Lookman, who was introduced at halftime, made an immediate impact, scoring a powerful header in the 90th minute.

The Super Eagles forward also provided an assist to Marco Brescianini in stoppage time, with the midfielder sealing the emphatic 5-0 win with a brilliant long-range strike.

Lookman has now netted four goals and contributed two assists in six Champions League appearances this season, further showcasing his value to the Serie A side.

With 14 points from seven matches, Atalanta currently sit fourth in the Champions League table and have secured their progression to the knockout stages with one game to spare.