Lookman fires Atalanta to dominant victory in Germany

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Ademola Lookman delivered a brilliant performance on Wednesday night as Atalanta powered past Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 in their UEFA Champions League league-phase clash in Germany, securing a crucial away victory with a commanding and disciplined display.

Atalanta were superior from start to finish, suffocating Frankfurt’s attempts to build tempo while carving out chance after chance.

Lookman set the tone early, constantly stretching the defence and threatening with his movement, before eventually breaking the deadlock.

Lookman opened the scoring in the 60th minute, latching onto a precise cross from Charles De Ketelaere with an exquisite first touch before firing clinically inside the left post.

It was no less than Atalanta deserved after Lookman himself had earlier rattled the post and forced multiple defensive interventions.

The Italians doubled their lead just two minutes later. Lookman turned provider with a perfectly weighted pass that released Ederson, who surged into the box and smashed home a powerful finish to make it 2-0. Frankfurt, already under heavy pressure, appeared shaken as Atalanta pushed relentlessly.

The third goal arrived in the 65th minute when De Ketelaere reacted quickest to a rebound inside the box, firing low into the centre of the net to put Atalanta out of sight.

The visitors could have added more, with Gianluca Scamacca denied by the bar and Nikola Krstovic missing from close range, but the three-goal margin reflected their dominance.

Frankfurt struggled to respond meaningfully. Injuries to key players, including Jonathan Burkardt, disrupted their rhythm, and while they produced occasional threats, such as Nnamdi Collins’ headed chance and Elye Wahi’s late strike, they were repeatedly denied by Atalanta’s well-organised defence and the assured Marco Carnesecchi in goal.

Lookman departed to warm applause from the travelling supporters in the 82nd minute, having played a decisive role in all phases of Atalanta’s attack. His goal, assist and overall influence cemented him as the standout performer of the night.