Ademola Lookman made a promising return from injury by scoring a goal, but his efforts were not enough as Atalanta suffered a 3-1 loss to Club Brugge in their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie at the Gewiss Stadium. The defeat confirmed Atalanta's elimination from the competition, as they were defeated 5-2 on aggregate after a 2-1 loss in the first leg.
Lookman, who started the match on the bench, was introduced at halftime, replacing Mario Pasalic as Atalanta sought to turn the game around after being 3-0 down at the break. The 27-year-old Nigerian forward wasted no time in making an impact, scoring a well-timed goal that reignited hope for a potential comeback.
His strike, a low finish from a cross delivered by Zappacosta, brought his season tally to 15 goals and seven assists in 28 appearances across all competitions. However, the goal was not enough to inspire Atalanta to victory, and Lookman missed a golden opportunity to add more pressure on Brugge, failing to convert a penalty in the 61st minute.
Lookman had been sidelined for six matches due to a knee injury sustained ahead of Atalanta's Champions League fixture against Barcelona. His absence saw him miss two Champions League games, three Serie A matches, and one Coppa Italia tie.
Despite his absence, Lookman’s return provides a significant boost for both Atalanta and the Super Eagles. With Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe approaching, his fitness and goal-scoring ability will be vital for the national team’s push for qualification.
For the Super Eagles, Lookman’s return bolsters their attacking options, increasing their chances of securing key victories that will improve their position in the qualification race. His presence in the team adds a new dimension to Nigeria's offensive play, providing more depth to their attack.
Meanwhile, George Ilenikhena also found the net for Monaco in their 3-3 draw against Benfica in Portugal. However, the result still saw Monaco eliminated from the Champions League after losing the first leg 1-0.
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