…Super Eagles star named MOTM
Ademola Lookman scored his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal and provided his first-ever assist in the competition to lead Atalanta to a commanding 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.
The win marked Atalanta’s first in this season’s Champions League, after a goalless draw against Arsenal two weeks ago in Bergamo to kick off their campaign.
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Lookman delivered a Man of the Match performance, playing a pivotal role in La Dea’s victory, their first in the competition since September 29, 2021. The Nigerian forward showcased his ability to both score and create, assisting Berat Djimsiti for Atalanta’s opening goal in the 21st minute, with Djimsiti finishing from close range.
Lookman then secured his maiden Champions League goal just before halftime in the 44th minute. Raoul Bellanova sealed the victory with a goal three minutes into the second half.
Despite playing only 60 minutes before being substituted for Mateo Retegui, Lookman was named UEFA’s Player of the Match. In addition to his goal and assist, the Nigeria international registered five attempts on goal and covered 6.6 kilometers during the match.
The UEFA’s Technical Observer Panel who named Lookman the Player of the Match said, “He showed great skill and was outstanding with the ball, providing a goal, assist, two chances and hitting the crossbar. Always available to his teammates, he displayed tactical clever movement and good defensive work.”
Lookman becomes only the second player in Atalanta history to score and provide an assist in the same Champions League match since Duván Zapata.
