Lookman’s strike not enough as Real Madrid triumph in Italy
Lookman scores against Madrid
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Ademola Lookman’s impressive performance, including a goal, could not prevent Atalanta from succumbing to a 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League clash on Tuesday.
The match, held at Gewiss Stadium, saw Real Madrid took an early lead through Kylian Mbappé in the 10th minute. The French forward latched onto a pass from Brahim Díaz and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Atalanta fought back and earned a penalty in stoppage time of the first half after a chaotic scramble in Real Madrid’s box. Charles De Ketelaere made no mistake from the spot, delivering a top-corner finish to equalise at 1-1 before the break.
Real Madrid regained control early in the second half when Vinícius Júnior struck in the 56th minute, placing a clinical effort into the bottom right corner.
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Jude Bellingham extended the visitors’ lead just three minutes later with a dazzling solo effort, weaving through Atalanta’s defence before firing home.
The hosts refused to back down, with Lookman stepping up to reduce the deficit in the 65th minute. The Nigerian forward received a perfectly weighted pass and dispatched a composed finish into the bottom left corner, giving Atalanta a glimmer of hope.
Despite a spirited push from the Italian side, Real Madrid’s defence, marshalled by Thibaut Courtois, held firm. Courtois produced several crucial saves, including a spectacular stop to deny Raoul Bellanova’s thunderous shot.
Mateo Retegui came close to levelling the scores in added time, but his effort sailed just over the bar, leaving Atalanta to rue missed chances.
