Lookman shines as Atalanta downs Shakhtar Donetsk

Ademola Lookman scored a goal and set up another as Atalanta demolished Shakhtar Donetsk 3-0 at the Veltins-Arena on Wednesday in Champions League group stage.

Lookman’s man-of-the-match performance propelled Gian Piero Gasperini’s side to their first Uefa Champions League win since September 2021.

Berat Djimsiti opened the scoring in the 21st minute, converting Lookman’s precise delivery. Atalanta continued to dominate, with Lazar Samardžić’s effort narrowly missing the target. 

Lookman doubled the lead in the 44th minute, side-footing Sead Kolašinac’s pass past Dmytro Riznyk.

Raoul Bellanova sealed the win just three minutes into the second half, heading Davide Zappacosta’s cross past the helpless Riznyk.

Atalanta’s dominance was evident, with Shakhtar struggling to create scoring opportunities. Marco Carnesecchi remained largely untested in goal.

The win was Atalanta’s first Champions League away win in five matches and it is Shakhtar’s ninth consecutive winless match against Italian opposition.

Shakhtar’s underwhelming display leaves them requiring significant improvement to avoid a seventh successive elimination at the Champions League’s first hurdle.