Ademola Lookman fires Atalanta into Europa League quater-final with crucial goal against Sporting CP
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman scored a crucial goal for Atalanta in their 2-1 Europa League victory over Sporting CP. SportsRation reports.
The second leg of the Europa League round of 16 clash saw Atalanta hosting Sporting CP at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on March 14, 2024. With the first leg ending in a 1-1 draw in Portugal, both teams entered the match with everything to play for.
Despite a strong start from Atalanta, they fell behind to a goal from Pedro Goncalves in the 33rd minute, granting Sporting CP the advantage heading into halftime. However, the tide turned in the second half.
Atalanta surged forward with determination, and early in the second half, Ademola Lookman found the back of the net.
Lookman capitalized on a precise cross from Ederson, controlling the ball adeptly before slotting it past the goalkeeper.
In the 59th minute, Gianluca Scamacca doubled Atalanta’s lead, putting them firmly in control of the match. Despite Sporting CP’s efforts to mount a comeback, Atalanta’s resolute defense held firm.
Lookman delivered an impressive performance, registering two shots, making 55 touches, and completing two successful dribbles. He was substituted for El Bilal Toure in the 85th minute.
The match concluded with Atalanta emerging victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, securing a 3-2 aggregate win to reach the Europa League quater-final.
With this result, Atalanta advances to the next stage of the Europa League, joining the likes of Liverpool, Roma, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham, Marseille, AC Milan, and Benfica in the last-8. Lookman’s impactful contribution underscores his importance to Atalanta’s European aspirations this season.
