By Victor Kanayo
Awaiting CAF player of the year and Nigerian International, Ademola Lookman, scooped the Man of the Match Award after scoring in his side’s 2-3 defeat to Real Madrid in a UEFA Champions League match late Tuesday night.
It was a tense Champions League fixture played at Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, and Lookman didn’t disappoint from start to finish amidst scoring a goal for the Italian side.
Having been rested in the previous Champions League fixture where Atalanta trashed Swiss champions, Young Boys, 6-1, the Nigerian International was restored to the starting line up as he started alongside in-form attacker Charles De Ketelaere in a front two.
Stars Show
On the other hand, Real Madrid stars – Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham, delivered goals.
The star-studded lineup delivered a thrilling performance to reignite their faltering Champions League campaign on Tuesday, securing a hard-fought victory over Serie A leaders.
Mbappe’s Record, Struggles
At 25 years and 356 days, Mbappé became the second-youngest player to reach the 50-goal milestone, trailing only Lionel Messi, who achieved the feat at 24 years and 284 days in 2012.
Mbappé reached the mark in 79 matches, making him the fourth fastest behind Ruud van Nistelrooy (62 games), Messi (66), and Robert Lewandowski (77).
Despite his milestone, Mbappé’s night was cut short when he exited late in the first half with a suspected leg injury. He was replaced by Rodrygo as Madrid held on to claim a crucial win.
Two Sides Of A Coin
With the result, Atalanta are now down to ninth with 11 points in six games.
Real Madrid are up to 17th with nine points in the same number of games.
Other Games, Villa Cruise
In Ukraine, Bayern München crushed Shakhtar Donetsk 5-1 to maintain dominance on the table.
The earlier match between Girona of Spain and Premier League table toppers Liverpool ended 1-0 in favour of the later, just like PSG thrashed RB Salburg 3-0 away.
Aston Villa also beat Leipzig 3-2.
Unai Emery’s side are in the driving seat to secure a direct route to the last 16 of the Champions League after a thrilling win secured by a Ross Barkley deflected strike.
