Ademola Lookman took center stage as Atalanta secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over AC Milan on Saturday, culminating in a last-minute winner from Luis Muriel. Lookman, instrumental in putting Atalanta ahead twice, faced responses from Olivier Giroud and Luka Jovic. A turning point occurred in stoppage time when Rossoneri captain Davide Calabria received a red card, opening the door for Muriel’s audacious 95th-minute backheel to clinch the victory.
Lookman initiated the scoring seven minutes before halftime, his shot deflecting off Fikayo Tomori and looping over goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Milan, however, leveled the score before halftime with Giroud’s powerful header from a corner.
The pendulum swung again in the second half, with Lookman reclaiming Atalanta’s lead in the 55th minute. The Nigerian capitalized on Matteo Politano’s low cross, firing home for his second goal of the day. Despite missing an opportunity for a hat-trick, Lookman’s contribution was substantial.
Nevertheless, Milan, resilient throughout, found the equalizer with Jovic’s goal 15 minutes from time. The pivotal moment came with Calabria’s late red card, leading to Muriel’s quick reaction to flick the ball past Maignan from close range.
This victory marks the end of Atalanta’s five-match winless streak, setting them up for a Europa League clash against Rakow Czestochowa. Milan shifts focus to a crucial UEFA Champions League match against Newcastle, where only a win will keep their faint knockout hopes alive.
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