Atalanta 2-1 AS Roma: Lookman, Sulemana fire Atalanta to Champions League spot
Ademola Lookman and Ibrahim Sulemana were on target as Atalanta secured a return to the UEFA Champions League with a thrilling 2-1 win over Roma, ending the Giallorossi’s 19-game unbeaten run in Serie A.
Atalanta officially booked their place in next season’s Champions League on Monday night with a vital 2-1 home victory over Roma at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. The win pushes Gian Piero Gasperini’s men seven points clear of fifth-placed Lazio with just two matches left in the season, securing a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Watch Atalanta 2-1 Roma Highlights:
Lookman sparks Dea into life
Despite fitness concerns surrounding Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian international started the match and made an instant impact. In the 18th minute, Lookman collected a pass from Charles De Ketelaere, turned Roma defender Devyne Rensch with a slick move, and buried his shot from 13 yards to give Atalanta the lead.
Lookman, who has been crucial throughout the season, overcame Achilles tendon issues to inspire La Dea on a night of immense importance.
Roma hit back through a familiar face
Roma, unbeaten in Serie A since mid-December, responded in the 32nd minute through former Atalanta midfielder Bryan Cristante. Following a scramble in the box, Matías Soulé whipped in a dangerous cross which Cristante, with his back to goal, glanced into the top corner past Marco Carnesecchi to draw Roma level.
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The equalizer energized Claudio Ranieri’s side, and they nearly went ahead before halftime when Eldor Shomurodov burst past his marker and set up Manu Koné, whose poor first touch squandered a golden opportunity.
The second half began with renewed urgency from both sides. Roma thought they had a chance to take the lead when a penalty was awarded after Koné went down under pressure from Mario Pašalić. However, referee Simone Sozza reversed the decision after a VAR review showed minimal contact.
Atalanta regained control and nearly struck again through Ederson and Lookman, but it was Ghanaian midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana who delivered the killer blow in the 76th minute. After Lookman drove down the left and teed up Lazar Samardžić, Sulemana rifled a low shot through a crowded box to make it 2-1 and send the home crowd into raptures.
A bizarre moment followed the goal when a pitch invader ‘scored’ a cheeky goal past Roma keeper Mile Svilar, adding a light-hearted twist to an intense encounter.
Roma’s late push falls short
Roma threw everything forward in the final minutes, including goalkeeper Svilar, who joined the attack for a late corner. However, Carnesecchi was alert, tipping the ball off the keeper's head. Substitute Niccolò Pisilli's overhead kick was heroically blocked by Berat Djimsiti’s face as Atalanta held on for a historic victory.
Champions League return sealed
The result means Atalanta, now third in the standings, will return to Europe’s premier club competition next season, a reward for their consistency under Gasperini. It also marks the end of Roma’s remarkable 19-match unbeaten Serie A streak, dropping them to sixth—one point behind both Juventus and Lazio.
Claudio Ranieri, who took over mid-season to revive Roma’s campaign, now faces a daunting task to keep their Champions League dreams alive, with a must-win fixture against in-form AC Milan up next.
What’s Next?
- Atalanta: With Champions League football secured, Gasperini’s men can now look to finish the season strong and possibly challenge for second place.
- Roma: The Giallorossi must beat Milan and hope results elsewhere favor them if they’re to return to the Champions League next season.
Match Stats:
- Goals: Lookman (18’), Cristante (32’), Sulemana (76’)
- Yellow Cards: Ederson, Djimsiti, Rensch
- VAR Decisions: Roma penalty overturned (63’)
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