Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman made history on Tuesday after scoring in Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League.
Lookman became only the second Nigerian player to score against Manchester United in the Champions League era, following in the footsteps of former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni.
Yakubu was the first Nigerian to achieve the feat when he scored for Maccabi Haifa in their famous 3-0 victory over Manchester United on October 29, 2002.
Lookman came off the bench in the 71st minute and needed just eight minutes to find the back of the net, scoring Atletico’s second goal in the 79th minute.
The Nigerian forward reacted quickly after Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens saved Jonathan David’s effort, finishing the rebound to secure the victory for the Spanish side.
Atletico had taken the lead in the first minute through Pablo Barrios, who finished a move involving Lee Kang-in and Alex Baena.
Manchester United tried to fight back, with Bryan Mbeumo missing opportunities and captain Bruno Fernandes hitting the crossbar.
However, their hopes of getting back into the game suffered another setback when defender Leny Yoro was sent off following a VAR review of his challenge on David.
The dismissal left Manchester United with 10 players as Atletico took advantage to secure all three points.
The victory was Atletico’s first in this season’s Champions League league phase after they lost their opening match 2-1 to Liverpool.
For Lookman, the goal was his first in the Champions League this season and another important moment in his growing European career.
Atletico Madrid will face Stuttgart on October 21, while Manchester United are scheduled to meet Como on the same date.
