Nigerian Ballon d’Or nominee scores first Champions League goal, makes assist

• Ademola Lookman contributed both a goal and an assist in the match
• Lookman became the second Atalanta player to score and assist in a Champions League game
• Duván Zapata, Atalanta’s top foreign scorer, achieved similar feats in previous Champions League matches

Atalanta left no doubt about their intentions in the UEFA Champions League as they cruised to a commanding 3-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk. 

Their aggressive play and clinical finishing reflected a squad in top form, a performance that could have easily seen more goals added to their tally. Despite injuries impacting both teams, it was Atalanta’s tactical sharpness and relentless pressure that truly shone through.

Both sides entered the contest after goalless draws in their opening fixtures. Atalanta had previously held Arsenal at home, while Shakhtar managed a point away to Bologna. 

Despite these results, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side looked far from cautious, confidently dictating play from the start. Injuries had forced the manager to tweak his lineup, notably putting up Charles De Ketelaere as a false nine a smart decision that yielded impressive results.

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman was the clear star for Atalanta, scoring a goal and an assist. His sharp vision set up Berat Djimsiti’s opener, which was expertly finished from close range. Just before halftime, Lookman added a well-taken goal to double Atalanta's lead. 

Opta reports that Lookman has now become only the second player in Atalanta's history to both score and assist in a Champions League match, following in the footsteps of Duván Zapata.

Zapata, Atalanta's all-time leading foreign scorer, previously accomplished this feat against FC Midtjylland and Manchester United. The former Colombian international netted 82 goals in 191 appearances for the Italian side during his spell at the club.

Atalanta’s dominance continued well into the second half as Raoul Bellanova added the third with a neat finish, converting a cross from Davide Zappacosta. 

Despite Shakhtar’s efforts, including a dangerous strike from Yukhym Konoplia, Marco Carnesecchi had little to do in goal, with Atalanta controlling much of the possession and creating multiple chances.

This victory was a statement win, proving that even with a depleted squad, Atalanta remains a force to be reckoned with at Europe’s elite level.

“Ademola was unstoppable,” Benin’s coach Rohr voices out frustration in Super Eagles last game

Previously, TheRadar reported that Gernot Rohr, head coach of Benin Republic, candidly admitted his squad's inability to contain Ademola Lookman during their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Saturday in Uyo.

The Super Eagles’ 3-0 triumph was largely driven by the dazzling performance of the Atalanta winger, who netted twice to secure a dominant victory for Nigeria.