Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman came off the bench to score a crucial goal as Atletico Madrid defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
Lookman was introduced in the 71st minute and needed just eight minutes to make his mark, finding the back of the net in the 79th minute to seal a memorable victory for the Spanish side.
The goal marked Lookman’s first UEFA Champions League strike of the season and further underlined his ability to deliver on Europe’s biggest club stage.
The Nigerian international also etched his name into the competition’s history, becoming only the second Nigerian player to score against Manchester United in the Champions League era.
Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni was the first, scoring for Maccabi Haifa in their famous 3-0 group-stage victory over Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United on October 29, 2002.
Lookman’s achievement comes nearly 24 years after Yakubu’s historic performance, giving Nigerian football another memorable moment against the English giants.
His decisive contribution ensured Atletico Madrid secured a 2-0 win, leaving Manchester United to reflect on a disappointing European night.
