Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman delivered a decisive performance on Wednesday night as the Italian side overpowered Eintracht Frankfurt with a blistering five-minute, three-goal burst that sealed a crucial Champions League victory.
The match, tense and finely balanced through the first half, exploded into life shortly after the restart — and Lookman was at the centre of it. Reflecting on the whirlwind period that broke Frankfurt’s resistance, the Nigerian international said the team had always believed the breakthrough would come.
“I think in the first half, we had a few chances. I obviously hit the post as well, so coming out in the second half, we knew we would create chances again and just needed to be patient and wait on that,” Lookman said after the match.
“We did and we then scored three goals pretty quickly. That settled everything down and we got the victory then.”
Atalanta, who had struggled to convert early opportunities, returned from the break with renewed intensity. Lookman’s movement repeatedly unsettled Frankfurt’s backline, and once the first goal went in, the visitors unraveled. Two more followed in rapid succession as Atalanta pressed high, capitalised on loose passes, and punished defensive errors with clinical finishing.
Frankfurt, who had defended resolutely before the interval, were left stunned by the sudden collapse. Attempts to regroup were smothered by Atalanta’s disciplined midfield, which maintained control and prevented any meaningful response.
Lookman’s performance drew praise from teammates and coaching staff, who highlighted his maturity, intelligence off the ball, and tireless energy. His strike — and involvement in Atalanta’s second-half domination — further cemented his growing reputation as one of the club’s most decisive attackers on European nights.
The win places Atalanta in a strong position in their Champions League group, with momentum swinging firmly in their favour as the knockout stages draw closer. For Lookman, it marks another standout European performance in a season where he continues to rise to big occasions.
