Ademola Lookman, the dynamic Nigerian forward born in London, has illuminated the pitch with moments of brilliance that turned potential draws into resounding successes. While his career spans England's Premier League and Italy's Serie A, his contributions in lopsided wins stand out, especially during his stints with Leicester City and Atalanta. These matches not only showcased his scoring prowess but also highlighted his role in elevating team performances against formidable foes. From clinical finishes to game-sealing strikes, Lookman's involvement in these blowouts has etched him into memorable football lore.
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Debut Glory with Everton: Shattering Manchester City
Lookman's Premier League journey began explosively on January 15, 2017, when he joined Everton midway through the season. Just ten days later, he made his debut against Manchester City at Goodison Park. The Toffees, under Ronald Koeman, hosted a City side managed by Pep Guardiola, featuring stars like Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne. Everton dominated from the start, with Romelu Lukaku scoring twice early on, followed by a strike from Leighton Baines.
Lookman entered the fray in the 90th minute, replacing Ross Barkley with the score at 3-0. In a moment of pure instinct, he received a pass inside the box, spun past a defender, and rifled a low shot into the bottom corner past Willy Caballero. The fourth goal sealed a 4-0 humiliation of the league leaders, who were chasing the title. This victory propelled Everton up the table and marked Lookman's instant impact, though his time at Goodison would prove inconsistent. The match underscored his poise under pressure, turning a comfortable lead into a statement rout against one of Europe's elite.
Clinching the Upset Against Liverpool for Leicester
Loaned to Leicester City from RB Leipzig in August 2021, Lookman adapted quickly to Brendan Rodgers' high-pressing system. On December 28, 2021, the Foxes hosted Liverpool at the King Power Stadium in a festive clash. Jurgen Klopp's Reds, title contenders with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in form, arrived unbeaten in nine league games. Leicester, mid-table and reeling from injuries, needed a spark.
The game was a tactical chess match, with both sides probing defenses. In the 78th minute, Lookman collected a long ball from Jonny Evans on the left flank. He cut inside, evaded Jordan Henderson, and unleashed a curling right-footed shot from 20 yards that nestled into Alisson Becker's top corner. The 1-0 win stunned Anfield's traveling support and halted Liverpool's momentum, allowing Leicester to climb to eighth. Lookman's solitary goal was pivotal, embodying his threat from wide areas and earning praise from Rodgers for his composure. This triumph remains a highlight of his Foxes spell, proving his mettle in derbies against top sides.
Brace Blitz: Salernitana Routed in Serie A
After signing permanently with Atalanta in August 2022 for €15 million, Lookman flourished under Gian Piero Gasperini. His Serie A debut on August 13, 2022, brought a goal in a 2-0 win over Sampdoria, but January 7, 2023, elevated him further. Facing relegation-threatened Salernitana at the Gewiss Stadium, Atalanta sought to solidify their top-four push.
Lookman struck first in the 9th minute, latching onto a Teun Koopmeiners through-ball, rounding the keeper, and slotting home. He added his second in the 58th, pouncing on a rebound after Davide Zappacosta's effort was parried. These goals bookended strikes from Ademola's teammates, including a brace from Jeremie Boga, culminating in an 8-2 demolition. Salernitana's defense crumbled under Atalanta's relentless attack, but Lookman's clinical finishing—two goals from four shots—sparked the rout. This performance, part of a three-game brace streak, signaled his transformation into a Serie A star, boosting Atalanta's Champions League aspirations.
Cup Dominance: Spezia Overwhelmed in Coppa Italia
Hot on the heels of the Salernitana thrashing, Lookman continued his purple patch in the Coppa Italia quarter-final against Spezia on January 11, 2023. Atalanta, aiming for silverware, hosted the mid-table Serie A side in Bergamo. The match exploded early, with Lookman opening the scoring in the 6th minute via a deft header from a Hans Hateboer cross.
He doubled his tally in the 30th, bursting through midfield, exchanging passes with Mario Pasalic, and rifling a left-footed drive into the far corner. These efforts paved the way for a 5-2 victory, with further goals from Pasalic and Brandon Soppy. Spezia managed consolations through Mehdi Bourabia and Daniel Maldini, but Atalanta's high line and quick transitions overwhelmed them. Lookman's brace, completed with just 45 minutes played, showcased his aerial ability and predatory instincts. Advancing to the semis, this win reinforced Atalanta's domestic cup pedigree and Lookman's centrality in multi-goal romps.
Historic Hat-Trick: Europa League Final Conquest Over Bayer Leverkusen
Lookman's pinnacle arrived on May 22, 2024, in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, for the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. Xabi Alonso's unbeaten side, invincible for 51 games, entered as favorites. Atalanta, however, executed Gasperini's man-marking masterplan flawlessly.
Lookman, starting on the left, scored first in the 12th minute, tapping in at the back post from a Davide Zappacosta cut-back after Odilon Kossounou's error. Twelve minutes later, he curled a sublime right-footed effort from 20 yards into the top corner, wrong-footing Matej Kovar. With Leverkusen pressing desperately, Lookman completed his hat-trick in the 75th, latching onto a Gianluca Scamacca flick-on and rifling a left-footed rocket into the roof of the net. The 3-0 scoreline shattered Leverkusen's invincibility, securing Atalanta's first European trophy since 1963.
This feat made Lookman the first player to hat-trick in a one-legged European final since Pierino Prati in 1969, earning him Man of the Match and African Footballer of the Year honors. The victory propelled Atalanta into the Champions League, capping a season of 17 goals across competitions for Lookman.