UCL: Sturm Graz Coach wary of Lookman’s threat ahead Atalanta’s clash

Sturm Graz head coach Jürgen Säumel has hailed Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman as “extremely versatile and dangerous” ahead of their critical Champions League tie against Atalanta in Bergamo tonight.

Lookman has been in scintillating form, building on his breakout 2024 campaign. The Super Eagles star etched his name into Atalanta’s history last season with a stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final, delivering the club its first European title.

He capped the year by winning the African Footballer of the Year award and earning a Ballon d’Or nomination, becoming the only African on the prestigious list.

This season, the 27-year-old has continued his remarkable performances, netting 10 goals and registering five assists in Serie A, alongside three goals and an assist in five Champions League matches.

Ahead of the match, Säumel, speaking to Kurier, acknowledged the challenge his team faces in containing Lookman:

“He [Lookman] is extremely versatile and dangerous. Bergamo always brings out top players and can then keep them, like Lookman.”

Sturm Graz heads into the encounter as underdogs and must deliver a near-perfect performance to secure a surprise result. Atalanta, currently second in Group C with 11 points, need just two more to confirm a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals. A victory tonight would secure qualification with a game to spare before their group stage finale against Barcelona in Spain.

While Atalanta have excelled on the road, including a commanding 6-1 victory over Young Boys, their home form has been less convincing. The Serie A side has failed to win any of their home games in this season’s Champions League, managing two goalless draws and a defeat to Real Madrid.

Sturm Graz, meanwhile, have a dismal record against Italian opposition in European competitions, with just one win in 14 matches (D6, L7). Their solitary victory came during the 2002/03 UEFA Cup, when they defeated Lazio 1-0 in Rome.

As Atalanta aim to break their home winless streak, Ademola Lookman will be at the center of attention. Already touted as a potential successor to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at Napoli, the Nigerian star will look to deliver another decisive performance for the Bergamo side.

A win tonight would not only propel Atalanta into the quarterfinals but also further cement Lookman’s status as one of Europe’s most influential attackers this season.

Adeyemi Adewale

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