Ademola Lookman delivered a standout performance for Atalanta, earning the Man of the Match award in their thrilling 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League at the Gewiss Stadium on Tuesday night.
Despite the loss, Lookman showcased his exceptional talent and determination, scoring a stunning goal that brought Atalanta back into contention after Real Madrid had surged ahead. The Nigerian winger's curling effort in the 65th minute marked his third goal in this season’s Champions League and further solidified his reputation as one of football’s rising stars.
The match began with Kylian Mbappé putting Real Madrid ahead in the 10th minute. However, Atalanta responded with a penalty from Charles De Ketelaere just before halftime. The second half saw Madrid regain control with goals from Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham. Lookman’s response was a testament to his skill, as he deftly maneuvered to create space before firing a low shot past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Lookman's performance was nothing short of remarkable. He attempted eight shots throughout the match—three on target—and completed three successful dribbles out of seven attempts, demonstrating both creativity and tenacity. With an impressive passing accuracy of 88% (29 out of 33 passes), Lookman was integral to Atalanta's attacking efforts.
In a post-match interview, Lookman reflected on his form and the team's performance: “Just timing, really. Over these past two and a half years, I’ve been able to have consistency in playing. That consistency has come into my game, allowing me to improve and show my qualities.” He expressed pride in Atalanta’s ability to compete against one of Europe’s elite teams despite the disappointing result.
This match marked Atalanta's first defeat in this season's Champions League and ended their impressive unbeaten streak at home. Currently positioned ninth in the standings with 11 points, Atalanta remains in contention for advancement as they look ahead to their next fixtures.