Lookman thrilled to make history with Atalanta

Atalanta's Ademola Lookman celbrates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the UEFA Europa League semi final second leg soccer match between Atalanta BC and Olympique Marseille in Bergamo, Italy, 09 May 2024. EPA/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

by Staff Reporter

Friday May 10, 2024. 15:00

Ademola Lookman is relishing a momentous clash with Bayer Leverkusen after helping Atalanta reach the Europa League final for the first time in the club’s history.

The Nigeria international is enjoying another fine season with La Dea after making key contributions to their domestic and continental cup campaigns.

Lookman registered a goal and an assist in the 4-1 win over Fiorentina in the second leg of the Copa Italia semi-finals and he opened the scoring against Marseille on Thursday.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side went on to beat I’OM 3-0 in the second leg at the Gewiss Stadium to secure a 4-1 win on aggregate in the last four to book a date with the Bundesliga champions.

Lookman has scored 12 goals in all competitions for the Lombardy outfit this term, putting him just three shy of his best-ever haul in a season which he achieved in Bergamo the previous campaign.

The 26-year-old striker believes they have what it takes to halt Leverkusen’s impressive 49-match unbeaten run which set a new European record following their 2-2 draw with Roma.

“Yes, we made history. An amazing performance from the team. We’re in the final and we’re going to Dublin so I’m very, very happy,” he told UEFA’s official website.

“I’m very happy with the goal obviously, and helping the team any way I can.”

Commenting on the meeting with Victor Boniface’s Leverkusen in the final, he added: “They are a top team, a top side. We’re in the final against them. We’re a top side also – we’re in the final.

“We’ve showed that this season with our results and obviously where we are now. We’re in the Coppa Italia final, the Europa League final so we look forward to that.”