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Atalanta's talisman Ademola Lookman powered La Dea to their first victory of the Champions League campaign, beating Shakhtar.
Super Eagles ace Ademola Lookman continued his excellent showing for Atalanta in European competitions, scoring and assisting to help La Dea record their first win in this season's Champions League with a 3-0 triumph over Shakhtar.
Gian Pierro Gasperrini's side showed they belonged at this level after holding Arsenal to a draw on matchday one. Thanks to a first-half goal and assist from their Nigerian winger Lookman and a 49th-minute strike from Raoul Bellanova, they made light work of their Ukrainian opposition to take their tally to four points.
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21:01 - 01.10.2024
Ademola Lookman: Super Eagles Ballon d'Or nominee makes Serie A Team of the Month
Nigeria's Ademola Lookman has continued to receive the recognition that his talent and performances have merited.
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15:03 - 27.09.2024
From Lookman to Boniface: 5 Nigerian stars to watch in Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 this weekend
Current and future Super Eagles stars are set to entertain this weekend in Europe’s top leagues
key match details
Atalanta were clearly the stronger side on paper and stamped their authority early on, relentlessly pursuing the opener. Their persistence paid off in the 21st minute, as Lookman's inviting cross was expertly converted by Berat Djimsiti's precision finish.
The visitors continued to press, with Lazar Samardaic's effort deflected wide by Dmytro Riznyk.
Lookman let fly with a volley that rattled the crossbar. The Nigerian’s grimaced demeanour signalled he knew he was close. On the 44th minute, he was right on the mark as Sead Kolasinac teed up the former Everrton man for a sublime side-footed finish past the helpless Riznyk.
Atalanta all but confirmed victory early on, scoring immediately after resuming from half-time break. Italian wing-back Raoul Bellanova connected sweetly with Davide Zappacosta's precise cross before releasing an assured header past Riznyk.
The visitors nearly extended their lead moments later, but Zappacosta's strike clipped the left post, denying Atalanta a fourth goal. It was cruise control for the Europa League champions from that point on, with Shakthar doing little to threaten them. La Dea sealed the win and have now risen on the league table.
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