Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman is optimistic that his Atalanta side has what it takes to make it to the final of the UEFA Europa League at the expense of French side Olympique Marseille.
Lookman, who came on as a second-half substitute in the game, believes Atalanta will be in the final as they will complete the job in the second leg.
First leg stalemate
It looked like the Italian side was going to repeat their heroics in the quarter-finals against Liverpool at Anfield after going ahead in the game, but Marseille rallied back to score and tie the first leg at 1-1.
The away side stunned the hosts by taking the lead in the 11th minute when Gianluca Scamacca capitalized on Teun Koopmeiners’ pass.
However, the response from the hosts was swift, with DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba leveling the score with a superb long-range strike.
Aubameyang squandered a couple of opportunities for the hosts, notably when he was played through one-on-one by Amine Harit, but failed to find the target.
Marseille continued to impress in the second half, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Substitute Iliman Ndiaye came closest to breaking the deadlock when his effort struck the woodwork.
This left the hosts vulnerable to a counter-attack, and Atalanta nearly capitalized on this vulnerability.
Substitute Aleksei Miranchuk had a golden opportunity to secure the win but dragged his shot wide after a rapid break.
Additionally, Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman was brought into the game in the 59th minute, replacing goalscorer Gianluca Scamacca. Despite his presence, he couldn't find the net to help his team secure victory in the first leg.
After the game, Lookman told the UEFA official website that his team has what it takes to go through to the final.
“We got off to a good start with a good goal to put us 1-0 up, but then they got their goal,” he said.
“It was a pretty even game. They had chances and we had chances, but ultimately 1-1 away from home is a positive result and so in the next game we will look to hopefully be in the final.”
Atalanta has already qualified for a cup final as they beat Fiorentina to qualify for the Coppa Italia last week.
Atalanta bank on Ademola Lookman for Europa League glory
The 26-year-old Super Eagles star believes that the club (Atalanta) will cherish the experience of a UEFA Cup final and they will be prepared and focused on the return leg.
“It's massive for the club, and for us as players and staff, to experience this and hopefully be in the final,” Lookman stated. We will need full concentration and full focus going into that game.”
Ademola Lookman has been one of the star performers for Atalanta this season as they chase glory on two fronts – the UEFA Europa League and the Coppa Italia.
With the club in 6th place with 57 points from 33 games in Serie A, Lookman has scored 11 goals and provided 7 assists in all competitions.
The Nigerian forward has been a key figure in Atalanta's attacking line-up, contributing significantly to their offensive prowess.
Lookman's pace and trickery key for Atalanta
With his pace, skill, and clinical finishing, Ademola Lookman has been a constant threat to opposition defenses throughout the season.
His ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates has been instrumental in Atalanta's success in both domestic and European competitions.
Lookman's confidence in his team's ability to reach the final of the UEFA Europa League reflects the strong belief and determination within the Atalanta squad.
As they prepare for the crucial second leg against Marseille, Lookman and his teammates will be focused on delivering a performance worthy of securing their place in the final and ultimately lifting the trophy.
