Unstoppable Lookman bags another MOTM award as Atalanta decimate European minnows
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Ademola Lookman put Sturn Graz to the sword | Imago

Unstoppable Lookman bags another MOTM award as Atalanta decimate European minnows

Faruq Ibrahim 20:52 - 21.01.2025

Reigning CAF Player of the Year Ademola Lookman was the star of the show again as Atalanta cruised to another Champions League win

Ademola Lookman's second-half introduction inspired Atalanta to a 5-0 drubbing of Sturm Graz.

The Austrian league leaders managed to keep La Dea at bay for the first 45, conceding only once. Gian Pierro Gasperini brought on Juan Cuadrado and Lookman at half time, and the pair galvanised the host's attack.

Lookman scored and assisted, as Atalanta scored four in the half to beat their opponents 5-0 and move into third position on the Champions League standings, albeit temporarily.

Key match details

Atalanta's Mateo Retegui continued his impressive goalscoring streak, netting the opener in the 12th minute with a precise finish from Davide Zappacosta's inviting cutback. 

The hosts dictated the tempo for the remainder of the first half, but could not further influence the scoreline. 

The substitution of Lookman and Cuadrado proved crucial in turning Atalanta's dominance into a goal. First, the Nigerian was involved in a Charles de Ketelaere goal which was eventually ruled out for offside, and the Colombian struck the post. 

The hosts eventually doubled their advantage through Mario Pasalic’s clever touch from Cuadrado's delivery. De Ketelaere soon got his goal, poking home following a corner routine. Cuadrado continued to threaten, providing a pinpoint cross for Lookman, who unfortunately fired over.

Atalanta's goal glut continued, with Lookman heading home from close range in the dying embers of the match. Marco Brescianini then sealed the rout, slotting past Scherpen after the ball broke kindly in the box.