Atalanta 2-3 Real Madrid: Lookman scores again, named Player of the Match

Ademola Lookman was on song again, but his goal was not enough to rescue Atalanta from losing for the second time in as many months to Real Madrid in their UEFA Champions’ League group phase tie at the Gewiss stadium in Bergamo.

The Nigerian, who had eight attempts on goal, scored on 65 minutes of the match to reduce the tally after the Los Blancos had gone 3-1 ahead but the Serie A side could not secure at least a draw as they lost for the first time in the competition this season after winning three and drawing their last five games.

Substitute, Lazar Samardžić’s clever switch of play picked out Nigerian with space to the left of goal and just inside the area. The 27-year-old nudges the ball with his right before somehow squeezing a low, right-footed effort just inside the right-hand post of Thibaut Courtois, with the goalkeeper at full stretch.

Despite Atalanta’s loss on the night, Lookman was named Player of the Match by UEFA’s Technical Observer Panel.

‘He was a constant threat to the Real Madrid defence, showcasing fantastic close control when dribbling and coming up with a superb strike for his goal,’ wrote the UEFA Technical Observer Panel.

Lookman has now scored three goals in five UEFA Champions League matches and 11 goals in 18 games across all competitions this season.