Follow @iambolar on X for more expert analysis.
Ademola Lookman’s name was at the centre of football discussions last week but for reasons he would rather forget. The Atalanta forward endured a crushing UEFA Champions League elimination at the hands of Club Brugge where his missed penalty became a talking point. However, rather than let disappointment define him, the Nigerian international responded in the best way possible with a stunning performance in Serie A that silenced his critics and reaffirmed his status as one of Atalanta’s key players.
We ?????? this bet & could be in for another HUGE win! ??
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) February 25, 2025
? Original win: ?61,242
? ??????? win: ?3,062,087
B9UB998054090GS-16472162
Will you be next? ?#CatchTheBOOM pic.twitter.com/7gIBTF29kA
The drama unfolded on a cold European night as Atalanta faced Club Brugge in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash. Lookman, who had been in fine form leading up to the game, carried the hopes of his team as they looked to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg. Just 30 seconds into the second half, he gave Atalanta a glimmer of hope, scoring to bring the tie to 3-2 on aggregate.
But fate had other plans. Later in the game, Lookman stepped up to take a crucial penalty, a chance to bring Atalanta level on aggregate and shift momentum in their favor. However, his attempt was saved, and the miss proved costly. Club Brugge capitalised on the miss and went on to secure a 5-2 aggregate victory, knocking Atalanta out of the competition.
While missed penalties are part of football, Lookman found himself under unexpected fire from his own coach, Gian Piero Gasperini. In his post-match comments, the Atalanta boss singled out the Nigerian international, calling him “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen. The remark sparked widespread debate, with many believing Gasperini unfairly placed the blame on Lookman instead of acknowledging the team’s collective failure. Nigerian and African football legends quickly rallied behind the 2024 CAF African footballer of the year, defending him against the harsh criticism. Atalanta fans showed support to him displaying banners to cheer the Nigerian.
With the controversy still fresh, Lookman had little time to dwell on the past as Atalanta returned to Serie A action against Empoli at the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Sunday. If there were any doubts about his mentality, he erased them with a performance that showcased his resilience, skill, and ability to rise above adversity.
Atalanta, coming off their Champions League disappointment, needed a strong showing to stay in contention for the Serie A title. After a nervy opening, the visitors found the breakthrough in the 30th minute when a cross from Zappacosta deflected off Emmanuel Gyasi and into the net.
Before half-time, Atalanta doubled their lead through Mateo Retegui, who tapped home a flick-on from Djimsiti. But the real moment of magic came just before the break, when Lookman displayed the brilliance that has made him one of Atalanta’s standout players. With the composure of a world-class forward, he effortlessly rounded Empoli’s goalkeeper, Marco Silvestri and slotted the ball into an empty net. It was a goal that boosted confidence, an emphatic statement after a difficult week.
Lookman wasn’t done. Just 10 minutes into the second half, he scored again. This time, after receiving a pass from Marten de Roon, he rifled a shot into the bottom corner for his 10th Serie A goal of the season. Atalanta continued their dominance, adding a fifth goal through Zappacosta to complete a stunning 5-0 victory.
ADEMOLA. LOOKMAN. ?
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) February 24, 2025
Thats it, thats the tweet.pic.twitter.com/FmMcDDTMGT
The win was more than just three points for Lookman, it was redemption. While Gasperini’s criticism could have affected his confidence, the Atalanta forward responded in the best way possible with his feet. His brace not only helped the team close the gap on league leaders Inter Milan, but also sent a clear message as he remains one of the club’s most important players.
Football is full of highs and lows, and Lookman’s past week has been a testament to that. From the despair of a Champions League exit to the jubilation of a Serie A masterclass, he has shown resilience in the face of adversity. With the title race heating up, his performance against Empoli could prove to be the turning point in Atalanta’s season.
Now, all eyes will be on Lookman and his teammates as they prepare for their next match against Venezia. If his latest display is anything to go by, the reigning African Footballer of the year is ready to put the past behind him and continue leading Atalanta’s charge for another silverware this season maybe the Serie A Title.
Bet on all this week’s big matches right here at Bet9ja!
