Lookman scores as Atalanta reach first European final

Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman was on the scoresheet as Atalanta makes history as the club reaches its first European final, after a 3-0 (4-1 aggregate) victory over Marseille in the UEFA Europa League semi-final.

With the tie so delicately poised after a draw in the first leg, it was La Dea who took the initiative in an utterly one-sided first half. The only surprise at the break was that Atalanta’s one-goal lead wasn’t any bigger, such had been their dominance.

Gianluca Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere had both come close before Ademola Lookman found the breakthrough midway through the opening period. Cutting in from the left, Lookman’s curled shot took a hefty deflection off Samuel Gigot, before whistling into the far right-hand corner.

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The visitors had a chance to atone for their dreary first half display following the restart, but Iliman Ndiaye squandered the opportunity.

The ex-Sheffield United man had an empty net to aim for after goalkeeper Juan Musso found himself in no man’s land, but his lobbed effort fell wide of the upright. That miss was punished emphatically by Matteo Ruggeri, who put the tie beyond the Olympians.

Breaking into the Marseille penalty area, the 21-year-old drilled into the top corner of Pau López’s goal, giving Atalanta an unassailable advantage on the night and breathing space in the tie.

It just wasn’t Marseille’s night in the end, with Atalanta a cut above the Ligue 1 outfit, even adding a third through El Bilal Touré’s stylish effort in stoppage time.

That kickstarted the celebrations, and having knocked out competition favourites Liverpool en route to the final, La Dea will contest the final against Bayer Leverkusen on the 22nd of May confident they can secure just a second-ever major honour.

Lookman scores as Atalanta reach first European final

Tijani Babangida in fatal road accident, brother dies

Tijani Babangida, former Super Eagles forward, was involved in a car accident on Thursday that tragically claimed the life of his younger brother, Ibrahim Babangida.

Babangida was part of the Atlanta 1996 Olympic team that won the gold medal and is currently the President of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria.

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Former teammate, Emmanuel Babayaro, the General Secretary, PFAN, announced the incident in a statement.

“Comrades! Let us be in prayers for our president, Tijani Babangida, who just had a ghastly motor accident along the Kaduna-Zaria Road,” Babayaro said.

“Ibrahim Babangida, his younger brother, died on the spot from the accident while Mr President (Babangida) and his family were taken to the hospital.

“May the soul of Ibrahim Babangida Rest In Peace with God, amen,” he announced.

Tijani Babangida in fatal road accident, brother dies

UCL: Real Madrid beat Bayern to book final ticket …to face Dortmund in London

Real Madrid snatched an incredible semi-final victory as two late goals defeated Bayern Munich and set up a Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern looked to be heading to the final when Alphonso Davies cut in and blasted past Andriy Lunin after England captain Harry Kane had found him with a superb pass.

But Joselu grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser when he reacted quickest after Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who had been excellent up until then, fumbled Vinicius Jr’s effort.

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There was even more drama to come two minutes later when Joselu, a former Stoke City striker, swept home from six yards out from Antonio Rudiger’s square pass.

The goal had originally been given as offside only for a video assistant referee decision to show that Joselu was onside, sparking incredible scenes of celebration in the Bernabeu, with Real hanging on to win 4-3 on aggregate.

Real, 14-time European champions, will face Dortmund on Saturday, 1 June at Wembley.

UCL: Real Madrid beat Bayern to book final ticket …to face Dortmund in London