'That goal helped us' - Atalanta striker Lookman reacts to important strike against Sporting CP

Ademola Lookman played a key role as Atalanta sealed a second half comeback in their Europa League round of 16, second leg clash against Sporting CP at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Thursday night.

All of the odds were against Atalanta as they were trailing 2-1 on the night after Pedro Gonçalves's 33rd minute opener. 

Lookman equalized for the Serie A side in the opening minute of the second half when he pounced on the line after a cross from Aleksey Miranchuk into the box came all the way through to him.

The goal by the Nigeria national teamer turned the game in favour of the  Nerazzurri who went on to score the winning goal through Gianluca Scamacca a minute shy of the hour mark.

Before Lookman made way for El Bilal Touré with five minutes left on the clock, he almost provided an assist but Holm's header from a corner kick taken by the Nigerian was saved by Sporting CP goalkeeper Franco Israel. 

Speaking to UEFA's official website shortly after the game, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations star noted that his goal was the turning point of the game as the Atalanta fans went into raptures.

"Did you hear the roar after my goal? The fans were amazing tonight and scoring just in front of the supporters was just great," a delighted Lookman said. 

"I'm very happy because it was vital to equalise early in the second half. That goal helped us to play better. I'm also happy for Scamacca. You know, forwards always want to score!" 

Lookman fired blanks in his previous six starts for Atalanta in this season's Europa League before netting versus Sporting CP.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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