Lookman Targets First Win as Chelsea Reach Landmark Away Game
Ademola Lookman will be aiming to end his winless run against Chelsea when Atalanta welcome the Premier League giants to Bergamo for their Champions League matchday six clash.
The Nigerian forward has faced the Blues five times across all competitions without a victory and is still searching for his first goal against them.
Lookman has been a key figure for Atalanta this season, registering one goal and an assist in four Champions League appearances, alongside six goals overall in 12 games in the competition. His recent form underlines his importance, having scored in five of his last eight Champions League outings.
Atalanta’s home record provides further encouragement. The Italian side have lost only once in their last nine group stage matches in UEFA competition and just twice in their previous 19 overall.
They have also kept three consecutive clean sheets in the Champions League, with all six of their goals this season coming in the second half of matches.
Chelsea arrive with a formidable record against Italian opposition. The Blues have won their last three European fixtures against Serie A clubs without conceding, and boast 13 victories from their last 15 group stage matches.
Rising star Estêvão continues to impress, becoming the second-youngest player to score in three consecutive Champions League games, behind only Kylian Mbappé.
There will be added familiarity on the pitch, with Davide Zappacosta lining up for Atalanta against his former club. The full-back made 52 appearances for Chelsea between 2017 and 2019, winning the Europa League before returning to Italy for a second spell with Atalanta.
Chelsea’s trip to Bergamo also marks a milestone: their 100th away game in the European Cup/Champions League. They will be hoping to end a poor run on the road, having failed to win any of their last four away fixtures in the competition.
Manager Enzo Maresca risks joining André Villas-Boas and Luiz Felipe Scolari as the only Chelsea coaches not to win any of their first three away matches in Europe.
