Ademola Lookman produced one of his finest European performances on Wednesday night, leading Atalanta to a dominant 3-0 victory away to Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League.
The Nigerian forward was at the heart of everything Atalanta created, scoring once and assisting another, as the Italian side claimed a huge win in Germany.
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It was also a dream Champions League debut for Atalanta’s new coach, Raffaele Palladino, whose side showed energy and precision from start to finish.
Frankfurt tried to stay compact early on, forcing Marco Carnesecchi into two smart saves, but Atalanta kept growing into the game and began to control the midfield.
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Atalanta came close twice in 30 seconds when Lookman hit the post after a sharp turn, before Gianluca Scamacca struck the same spot from close range. Their pressure finally paid off on the hour mark.
Charles De Ketelaere floated a clever cross to the back post, where Lookman arrived unmarked to guide in a calm volley.
Two minutes later, the Super Eagles winger turned provider—running from deep, exchanging passes, and sliding the ball across for Ederson to finish from close range.
The Germans collapsed after that. Scamacca crashed a powerful shot off the bar, and De Ketelaere reacted fastest to turn in the rebound for Atalanta’s third. The result puts Atalanta in a strong position heading into the final matchday.
Arsenal extend winning streak
At the Emirates, Arsenal continued their perfect Champions League campaign with a solid 3-1 win over Bayern Munich.
Mikel Arteta’s side were slow out of the blocks but soon found their rhythm, taking the lead through Jurrien Timber, who headed in Bukayo Saka’s corner.
Bayern responded with a superb team move finished by 17-year-old Lennart Karl, but Arsenal showed greater control after the break.
Second-half substitutes Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli stepped up to secure the win, keeping Arsenal’s 100 per cent record intact and strengthening their push for group supremacy.
It was however an opposite scenario at Anfield where Liverpool’s night ended in disappointment as PSV Eindhoven shocked the home crowd with a 4-1 victory.
Despite Liverpool holding on to a 1-1 scoreline at half time, the Dutch side overpowered Reds in second 45 minutes with fast counterattacks and clinical finishing.
Real Madrid survive late scare in Greece
Real Madrid edged Olympiacos 4-3 in one of the most thrilling matches of the night. The Spanish giants looked in control for long spells, but Olympiacos kept fighting until the final whistle. Kylian Mbappe was the hero for Los Blancos scoring all four goals
PSG win eight-goal thriller against Tottenham
Paris Saint-Germain defeated Tottenham Hotspur 5-3 in Paris, with the home side showing greater sharpness in front of goal. Spurs had moments of quality but could not cope with PSG’s pace in attack.
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Elsewhere, Raphael Onyedika was in action from start to finish in Portugal for Club Brugge but he wasn’t able to save his from a humbling 3-0 in the hands of Sporting CP 3–0. Onyedika who was booked in the 20th minute of the match managed to stay disciplined for the remainder of the match played at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Other Results
FC Copenhagen 3–2 Kairat Almaty
Pafos FC 2–2 AS Monaco
Atletico Madrid 2–1 Inter Milan
