UCL: The reason behind Lookman's bench role in Atalanta's historic 6-1 win against Young Boys

Ademola Lookman was an unused substitute as Atalanta registered a historic 6-1 victory against Swiss side BSC Young Boys in a UEFA Champions League encounter at Stadion Wankdorf on Tuesday night. 

The Bergamo outfit became only the second Italian club to score six goals away from home in the UEFA Champions League proper, equaling the record of Napoli, who won 6-1 at Ajax Amsterdam in the 2022-2023 group stage. 

Atalanta were firmly in control at the interval thanks to a brace from Mateo Retegui and goals from Charles De Ketelaere and Sead Kolasinac.

In the second half, Atalanta stretched their lead further as Charles De Ketelaere struck in the 56th minute, with Lazar Samardžić wrapping things up in the 90th minute.

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini made four alterations to the team that beat Parma 3-1 on Saturday, November 23.

Kolašinac slotted into the back three for Tolói, Cuadrado started ahead of Bellanova on the right flank, with Brescianini and De Ketelaere replacing Ademola Lookman and suspended Éderson.

Gasperini chose not to address his decision to exclude Lookman from the starting lineup against Young Boys during the post-match press conference. 

An Atalanta insider revealed to allnigeriasoccer.com that the omission of the Nigeria international from the starting lineup was purely technical.

"It was a technical choice, it's part of the rotations in the offensive players. Lookman wasn't punished," he said. 

Tuesday marked only the second time this season that Lookman was not fielded by Gian Piero Gasperini despite being named in the matchday squad.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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