Frankfurt vs Atalanta: Lookman is back! Super Eagles star ends UCL drought in style after inspiring big win

Ademola Lookman ended his Champions League goal drought and inspired Atalanta to an emphatic 3-0 away victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday night, thrilling Super Eagles fans who have long awaited his big European moment.

Atalanta arrived at Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park in strong form, having secured two wins, a draw, and only one defeat so far in their group stage matches.

Under new coach Raffaele Palladino, who made his Champions League touchline debut after taking over from Ivan Juric, the Italian side looked determined to make a statement despite recent domestic struggles.

Lookman, who had scored 53 goals and provided 25 assists in 128 appearances for Atalanta across all competitions, had yet to open his account in the Champions League this season.

The question on everyone’s minds was whether the Nigerian winger could break his scoring drought on such a big stage.

The first half was tightly contested with chances at a premium. Lookman and teammate Gianluca Scamacca both hit the woodwork within a minute, while Frankfurt’s efforts were stymied by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi. 

At halftime, the match was still goalless, but both teams showed intent to push for victory in the second half.

After the interval, Lookman emerged as the star. His first goal came when he was left unmarked at the far post to calmly slot home Charles De Ketelaere’s precise cross, marking his first Champions League goal of the season. 

Minutes later, Lookman showed his creativity and dribbling skills, weaving past defenders to set up Éderson, who finished clinically to double Atalanta's lead.

The visitors maintained their momentum, adding a third goal shortly after when De Ketelaere struck with authority following a shot from Scamacca that hit the crossbar. 

Lookman’s influential display was capped with an assist and a goal within a five-minute whirlwind, igniting celebrations among Atalanta and Super Eagles supporters.

Lookman was substituted off in the 82nd minute to a standing ovation, having played a pivotal role in securing the Italian side’s victory that keeps them firmly in contention for progression from the Champions League group stage.

For Atalanta and Lookman, the win sent a powerful statement: the Super Eagles star is back with Champions League class, combining skill, vision, and clinical finishing to inspire his team to a memorable triumph over Frankfurt.