Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman continued his fine form on Monday, scoring for the second straight game and recording his 20th goal of the season as Atalanta edged Roma 2-1 to seal qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Ademola Lookman had found the net in Atalanta’s previous outing — a commanding 4-0 win over Monza that kept their Champions League hopes alive. However to seal qualification, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men needed to overcome an in-form Roma side unbeaten in the Serie A since December.
The Nigerian forward wasted no time in making an impact, opening the scoring in the 9th minute after receiving a pass from Charles De Ketelaere to put Atalanta ahead. Despite the early setback, Roma refused to back down, drawing level in the 32nd minute through a well-placed header from Bryan Cristante.
With the game heading towards a draw, Atalanta found the breakthrough in the 76th minute as 21-year-old Ibrahim Sulemana netted his first goal for the club with a stunning strike that left goalkeeper Mile Svilar with no chance, securing all three points and a Champions League spot in memorable fashion.
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The victory took Atalanta to 71 points, putting them seven points clear of fourth-placed Juventus with two matches remaining. On the other hand, sixth-placed Roma remain in contention for a Champions League spot, trailing Juventus by just a single point.
Ademola Lookman was deservedly named Man of the Match for his influential performance, capping off another standout display in what has been a remarkable season.
Atalanta will wrap up their season with fixtures against Genoa and Parma, and with Champions League qualification already secured, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side can approach their remaining games with less pressure.
Meanwhile, Roma will be desperate for victory when they face off against a resurgent AC Milan side in their next league game at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, May 18.
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