Lookman Aims To Lead Atalanta Against Arsenal In Champions League Showdown

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Atalanta’s Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman, is gearing up for an electrifying Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League opener against Arsenal on Thursday.

As Gian Piero Gasperini’s team returns to Europe’s elite competition, all eyes will be on the Nigerian international, whose recent form has set him up as one of Atalanta’s key players this season.

Lookman, who netted the decisive goal in a thrilling 3-2 win over Fiorentina last weekend, is eager to make his mark against the Gunners at the Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo.

The encounter promises to be a highly anticipated contest between two in-form teams.

“We’re excited to be back in the Champions League. It’s where we belong, and we need to prove that on the pitch,” Lookman said ahead of the clash.

“Arsenal are a top side, and I’m familiar with their style, having faced them during my time in the Premier League,” he added.

Atalanta earned their Champions League spot by clinching the Europa League title last season. Lookman played a pivotal role in that success, scoring a hat-trick in the 3-0 final triumph over Bayer Leverkusen.

The Italian side is hoping to ride that momentum into this season’s campaign, with Lookman continuing his standout performances.

Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, are also in strong form. The Gunners are unbeaten in the Premier League and are fresh off a morale-boosting North London derby victory against Tottenham Hotspur.

Their solid defense, having conceded just one goal in their first four league matches, poses a tough challenge for Atalanta’s attack.

Lookman, who was recently named Serie A Player of the Week for his performance against Fiorentina, will be aiming to continue his impressive run.

The forward has quickly established himself as a key figure in Gasperini’s setup, and he’s keen to take on the challenge posed by Arsenal’s formidable backline.

“We’ve proven we can compete at this level, and we’ve had great results against English teams in the past. “We’ll be ready for Arsenal,” Lookman added, reflecting on Atalanta’s famous victory over Liverpool in last season’s Europa League.

With both teams in excellent form and a host of star players on display, this Champions League opener is shaping up to be a must-watch encounter.