Club Brugge goalkeeper explains why he did not expect Lookman to take Atalanta's missed penalty

Published: February 19, 2025

Atalanta were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night following a 3-1 loss to Raphael Onyedika's Club Brugge at the Gewiss Stadium.

Club Brugge made history by becoming the first Belgian team to win a knockout phase tie in the UEFA Champions League era.

The Belgian champions had the game sewn up before the break as they had established a three-goal lead, thanks to strikes from Chemsdine Talbi (2) and Ferran Jutglà.

Atalanta were staring defeat in the face and manager Gian Piero Gasperini decided to bring on Ademola Lookman in place of Mario Pasalic at half-time.

The change proved to be a masterstroke as the reigning African Footballer of the Year reduced the deficit seconds after coming on at the interval, slotting home a low cross from Davide Zappacosta.

In the 56th minute, Cuadrado won a penalty for the Serie A side after being fouled by Christos Tzolis, but Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet made a superb save, stretching to his left to keep out Lookman's powerful effort from the spot.

Speaking after the game, Mignolet revealed that he did not expect Lookman to be on penalty duties for Atalanta as the forward was making his first appearance in more than three weeks, having recovered from a knee injury.

In quotes relayed by Club Brugge's official website, Mignolet said: "I went to Wouter Biebauw for the penalty. I didn’t expect Lookman to kick because he was out for a moment.

"Fortunately, I was able to go and check the ball and it turned out well for us. But it’s unbelievable and it’s not over for us in the Champions League yet.”

Lookman directly participated in seven goals (5 goals, 2 assists) in seven appearances in the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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