Champion League
UCL: Ademola Lookman Strikes to take Atalanta to Round of 16
By Monsurah Olatunji
Reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, found the net as Atalanta stormed into the UEFA Champions League knockout stages with a dominant 5-0 victory over Sturm Graz on Tuesday evening at the Gewiss Stadium.
Lookman, who started the match on the bench, was introduced at halftime in place of Mateo Retegui. The Nigerian international was outstanding in the second half, capping off his performance with a powerful header in the 90th minute, assisted by Charles De Ketelaere.
Atalanta controlled the first half, with De Ketelaere, Davide Zappacosta, and Retegui all testing goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen. Despite their dominance, it was only Retegui’s 12th-minute strike that gave them the lead going into the break.
In the second half, Atalanta doubled their advantage with Mario Pašalić’s goal in the 58th minute, as he tapped in Juan Cuadrado’s precise cross. De Ketelaere made it 3-0 in the 63rd minute, bundling the ball over the line following a corner-kick scramble.
Lookman then played a crucial role in the fourth goal, setting up Marco Brescianini for a stunning long-range strike in stoppage time to complete the emphatic 5-0 rout.
The 27-year-old forward has now contributed four goals and two assists in just six Champions League appearances this season, further cementing his reputation as one of the most impactful players in the competition.
With 14 points from seven matches, Atalanta have secured their progression to the knockout rounds with one game to spare, as they continue their impressive European campaign.
