Ademola Lookman provided a late spark on his return to club action, but it was not enough to prevent Atalanta from fumbling as they slipped to a 3–2 defeat against Athletic Bilbao in the UEFA Champions League in Bergamo on Tuesday night.
Fresh from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped Nigeria’s Super Eagles claim a bronze medal with three goals and four assists and earned a place in the Team of the Tournament.
Lookman made his first appearance for Atalanta since the continental showpiece. The winger was introduced in the 66th minute, replacing Nicola Zalewski, with the hosts already showing signs of vulnerability after conceding an equaliser.
Atalanta had earlier looked in control after Gianluca Scamacca headed them in front midway through the first half following sustained pressure. Despite creating several chances to extend their advantage, the Italian side failed to capitalise, allowing Athletic Bilbao a route back into the contest after the interval.
The visitors took full advantage of Atalanta’s lapse in concentration, scoring twice in quick succession through Nico Serrano and Robert Navarro to turn the game on its head and stun the Bergamo crowd.
Lookman’s introduction injected urgency and incision into Atalanta’s attack, and his influence told late on when he slipped a precise pass through for Nikola Krstović to score in the 88th minute.
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The goal briefly reignited hopes of a comeback, but Athletic held firm in the closing moments to secure a rare away victory in Italy.
Lookman, 28, now has 2 assists with one goal in six 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League games.
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The defeat ended Atalanta’s three-match winning run in the Champions League and saw them drop out of the top eight in the league phase standings.
