Nigerian worldwide and Atalanta ahead Ademola Lookman confronted a troublesome problem in Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League opener in opposition to Arsenal, which resulted in a 0-0 draw on the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Thursday night time.
Lookman, who had been in high-quality type, together with a standout efficiency in opposition to Fiorentina the earlier weekend, discovered himself carefully marked and contained by Arsenal’s disciplined protection. Regardless of his greatest efforts, he was unable to register a single shot on purpose all through the 89 minutes he was on the pitch.
In a post-match interview with UEFA, Lookman praised Arsenal’s high quality, saying, “It’s laborious in opposition to a group like Arsenal to seek out area, they’re a high group. The environment was nice and so was our efficiency.”
Though Lookman couldn’t discover the again of the web, his general contribution was nonetheless important. He led the sport in accomplished dribbles and tackles, completed with a formidable 96% move completion fee, created two possibilities, and contributed to Atalanta’s play with two key passes and three ball recoveries.
The sport’s pivotal second got here within the 51st minute when Atalanta was awarded a penalty after a careless problem by Thomas Partey. Nevertheless, Mateo Retegui’s effort was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, denying the house aspect an opportunity to interrupt the impasse.
Followers took to social media, expressing that Lookman ought to have taken the penalty as a substitute, contemplating his present type. However, Atalanta’s attacking strain and Arsenal’s defensive resilience resulted in each groups sharing the factors.
With this consequence, Ademola Lookman and Atalanta shift focus to their subsequent Champions League match, hoping to transform their robust efficiency into objectives. For now, they return to Serie A motion, the place they may face newly promoted Como at residence.
This Champions League marketing campaign guarantees to be an thrilling take a look at for Lookman, as he goals to proceed delivering for each Atalanta and Nigeria on the European stage.