While the world gather to watch unarguably the best of football gladiators and how Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti has planned to put in display these galaticos, Nigeria International, Ademola Lookman will need to come alive when Atalanta take on the European champions in the UEFA Super Cup title challenge on Wednesday.
Lookman two months ago was unplayable in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, scoring a hat-trick to give the Italian side their first ever title in history.
Real Madrid on the night are the overwhelming favorite with five titles, joint highest alongside Barcelona and AC Milan. And with French star, Kylian Mbappe teaming up with Rodrygo, Vini Jnr, Jude Bellingham and youngster Endrick, Atalanta no doubt, have a lot to worry about.
However, the Europa League champions can focus on one of its handful strengths, LOOKMAN.
The pacy and tricky winger faces Dani Cavajal, one of Madrid’s weakest link in the team. Although the Spanish international boast of good attacking skills, his defensive decisions are questionable and could be vulnerable when he faces Lookman who through this tore apart the defense line of Bayer Leverkusen.
Only three Nigerians, Finidi George, Nwankwo Kanu and Celestine Babayaro, have won the Super Cup in the past.
Finidi and Kanu won the title with Dutch giants, Ajax in 1995 and Babayaro repeated the feat three years later, winning the title with Chelsea.
For Atalanta to win this, Lookman joining international predecessors will be key for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side in calming their second piece of silverware in 117 years.
The encounter is slated for the National Stadium, Warsaw, Poland.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun