Former Atalanta midfielder Michel Adopo has voiced confidence that Nigeria international Ademola Lookman will deliver a decisive performance when Atalanta face Arsenal in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.
The tie stands level at 1-1 after the first leg, leaving both clubs with everything to play for ahead of the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium. Lookman, who has established himself as one of Atalanta’s most dangerous attacking outlets in European competition, will be looking to make amends after squandering a significant opportunity in the opening encounter.
Adopo, who played alongside Lookman at Atalanta before departing the club, spoke to The Sun ahead of the match and delivered a pointed assessment of his former teammate’s capabilities under pressure. “This is an amazing opportunity for Ademola. Finally, he is at a giant club. After the triumph, I remember that Ademola himself didn’t understand the importance of his performance. I actually believe he will score against Arsenal,” Adopo said.
The reference to “the triumph” alludes to Lookman’s memorable individual performance in Atalanta’s 3-0 UEFA Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen in May 2024, in which the Nigerian scored a hat-trick — a display that significantly raised his profile across European football. Adopo’s remarks suggest Lookman’s self-awareness of his own impact in high-stakes moments has continued to develop since that night in Dublin.
Lookman has been a consistent contributor throughout Atalanta’s Champions League campaign this season, and his ability to threaten in wide areas and in behind defensive lines makes him a particular concern for an Arsenal backline that will need to be organised at the Emirates. The 27-year-old winger has been one of Serie A’s standout performers in recent seasons, and this semi-final represents arguably the most significant club fixture of his career to date.
Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, will carry the advantage of hosting the second leg and will be confident of progressing to their first Champions League final since 2006. However, Atalanta’s experience in knockout European football — having won the Europa League in 2024 and navigated several high-pressure ties since — means they arrive at the Emirates as a credible threat.
With a place in the Champions League final at stake, all focus will fall on key individual duels across the pitch, and Lookman’s contest with Arsenal’s defenders is among the most anticipated. Should he convert where he fell short in the first leg, Atalanta will be well-positioned to reach the final.
