Ademola Lookman has expressed Atalanta’s excitement about facing Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup, emphasizing their desire to prove they “deserve to be here” following their Europa League triumph.
The match kicks off at 8:00 PM Nigerian time tonight at the National Stadium in Warsaw.
Atalanta secured their spot in this showdown with a convincing 3-0 Europa League Final victory over Bayer Leverkusen, where Lookman was the standout performer with a hat-trick.
With Gianluca Scamacca, Giorgio Scalvini, and Nicolò Zaniolo injured, and Teun Koopmeiners omitted due to his transfer request to Juventus, the Nigeria international may once again take center stage.
“I think tomorrow night is a different occasion. Playing in the Super Cup tomorrow is a different night. So, I’m excited, happy to be involved, and looking forward to it,” he said in his press conference. “It’s not just me, but I think the whole squad is excited about the occasion. We deserve to be here through our hard work and perseverance. Tomorrow night is another chance to show that.”
If Atalanta were the underdogs against Bayer Leverkusen, then they can multiply that status when facing Champions League serial winners Real Madrid.
“It’s a top team of top players, who are ready at any moment. I don’t think there’s any good time to face Real Madrid. Obviously, they have their powers, but we also have quality.”
The Merengues are expected to give new signings Kylian Mbappé and Endrick their debuts, further strengthening the squad that lifted the Champions League a couple of months ago.
During this evening’s training session, coach Gian Piero Gasperini tested out a front three of Charles De Ketelaere, Mateo Retegui and Lookman, suggesting he once again believes attack is the best form of defence.