Nigeria’s Lookman Bags Man-of-the-Match Award Against Real Madrid, Poised to Win African POTY Award Next Week

In a thrilling Matchday 6 encounter of the 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League, Ademola Lookman stole the show with an electrifying performance against reigning champions Real Madrid despite Atalanta BC’s 3-2 defeat at Bergamo.

As the Spanish giants sought to bounce back from a 2-0 loss to Liverpool in their previous away fixture, Atalanta rode into the game on a nine-match winning streak in all competitions.

The stage was set for an enthralling encounter, and both teams did not disappoint.

Kylian Mbappe’s early strike set the tone for a pulsating match before Charles De Ketelaere’s late penalty restored parity in the first half. Real Madrid regained the lead early in the second half through Vinicius Jr.’s clinical finish. 

Bellingham then added a third, skillfully cutting inside to create space for a left-footed shot into the goal. 

However, Lookman left the biggest impression, terrorising Lucas Vazquez with his pace, strength, and direct running throughout the game to constantly create opportunities for his team.

The Nigerian forward’s 65th-minute goal saw him expertly thread the ball through Vazquez’s legs to reduce the deficit by one goal and sparked hopes of an unlikely comeback.

But the third goal never came for Atalanta, who spurned a glorious chance to equalise when Mateo Retegui missed an open goal after brilliant work from Lookman down the left flank.

Lookman’s impressive display didn’t go unnoticed, as UEFA awarded him the Man-of-the-Match accolade – his second in less than a week, following his winner in Atalanta’s 2-1 victory over AC Milan last Friday.

With 16 goal contributions for his club this season, Lookman has carried on from last season. He is now the frontrunner to win the CAF Player of the Year award, scheduled for the following Monday’s ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco.

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