Ademola Lookman quiet as Atalanta hold Marseille in Europa League semis
Ademola Lookman had a quiet appearance off the bench and so couldn’t spark a breakthrough for Atalanta as they battled Marseille to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final.
The Nigerian forward entered the game in the second half, replacing Atalanta’s goalscorer Gianluca Scamacca, but couldn’t replicate Scamacca’s scoring prowess as both teams settled for a stalemate on Thursday May 2.
In the match played at the Stade Velodrome, Atalanta surprised the hosts by taking the lead courtesy of Gianluca Scamacca’s goal, but Marseille quickly responded with a brilliant strike from centre-back Chancel Mbemba to equalize.
Despite Marseille’s dominance in the first half, highlighted by missed chances from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and others, they couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities.
The second half saw Marseille maintain pressure, with chances from Aubameyang and Sarr, but they were thwarted by Atalanta’s defense. Even a curling effort from substitute Azzedine Ounahi hit the woodwork.
Atalanta, though under pressure, managed to hold on for the draw, ensuring they have the advantage heading into the second leg in Italy. Despite a quieter outing for Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, the tie remains evenly poised for the return fixture.
