'Yes, we made history' - UEL POTW nominee Lookman reacts to goal, facing Tella and Boniface's Bayer in final 

In one of the most important games since the formation of Atalanta, Ademola Lookman was the standout player as the Nerazzurri made history by reaching the final of a European competition for the first time, after a 3-0 rout of  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's Marseille at the Gewiss Stadium on Thursday night.

The Charlton Athletic academy product has been recognized for his outstanding display against Marseille, with UEFA shortlisting the Super Eagles forward for the UEFA Europa League Player of the Week.

To win the Player of the Week for the semifinal second legs, Lookman faces competition from Roma's Serbia goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who made an incredible twelve saves during the 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen. 

Against Marseille, Lookman broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when he picked the ball on the left flank, cut inside and fired a shot from outside the area which deflected off the boot of Samuel Gigot and ended up in the back of the net.

The 2017 Fifa U20 World Cup winner with England was delighted to make history with Atalanta and was pleased to find the net. 

Speaking to UEFA's official website post-match, Lookman stated: "Yes, we made history. An amazing performance from the team. We're in the final and we're going to Dublin so I'm very, very happy.

"I'm very happy with the goal obviously, and helping the team any way I can."

Atalanta will contest the 2024 Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, who also made history by extending their unbeaten run to 49 games after a 2-2 draw with AS Roma at the BayArena. 

A Nigerian player will surely lift the trophy on Wednesday, May 22, considering the fact that Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface are in contention to be named in Bayer Leverkusen's matchday squad for the showpiece. 

Sharing his thoughts on the upcoming final, Lookman said: "They are a top team, a top side. We're in the final against them. We're a top side also - we're in the fina. We've showed that this season with our results and obviously where we are now.

"We're in the Coppa Italia final, the Europa League final so we look forward to that."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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