Ademola Lookman showcased his exceptional talent in Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, where he was instrumental in securing a vital 3-1 victory. This achievement marked the club’s first away win in the Champions League after five unsuccessful attempts. Starting the match against a backdrop of a disappointing draw against Arsenal and a long-standing drought of victories in the competition since 2021, Atalanta came out determined and focused. Their resilience was evident as they consistently pressured the Shakhtar defense, searching for an early breakthrough in Gelsenkirchen.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 21st minute when Lookman delivered a precise cross that Berat Djimsiti expertly converted, putting Atalanta in the lead. Lookman continued to impress, and soon after, he nearly doubled the score with a volley that crashed into the crossbar, showcasing his offensive prowess. Despite the near miss, Lookman’s persistence paid off just before halftime when a well-placed pass from Sead Kolašinac allowed him to slide the ball past Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk into the net, securing his first-ever goal in the Champions League.
Atalanta’s momentum continued to build shortly after the second half began, as Davide Zappacosta found Raoul Bellanova at the back post. The defender, celebrating his first goal for the club since joining from Torino, punished the lax marking from Shakhtar’s defense by heading the ball into the net. This early second-half goal firmly established Atalanta as the dominant side in the match, allowing them to control the game’s tempo and maintain their lead.
With a commanding 3-0 advantage, Atalanta opted to ease off the pressure without compromising their defensive solidity for the remainder of the game. The performance demonstrated the team’s ability to manage a match effectively, showcasing their attacking flair as well as their capacity to defend a lead. This victory was significant not only for morale but also because it marked the club’s first three-point haul in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign, providing a crucial boost as they set their sights on advancing further in the tournament.
For Lookman, this match was his third appearance in the Champions League and marked a significant step in his career, as he now holds one goal and an assist in the competition. His previous involvement in the Champions League was limited to a single match during his time with RB Leipzig, where he played only once in the 2019/20 season and did not feature in subsequent games. His performance against Shakhtar enamored fans and likely placed him in contention for prestigious individual accolades, such as the African Player of the Year award, particularly reflecting on his impressive start to the 2023/24 season with four goals and two assists in all competitions.
Not only did the match solidify Atalanta’s place in the Champions League standings, but it also enhanced Lookman’s reputation as one of the club’s key players. The forward’s ability to make decisive contributions on the field signals the potential impact he can have throughout the remainder of the season. As Atalanta looks to build on this victory, Lookman’s emerging form is expected to be a crucial factor in their pursuit of success in both domestic and European competitions, as they navigate the challenges ahead with newfound confidence.
