Champions League: Atalanta v Real Madrid, a big night for Ademola Lookman ahead of the CAF Awards

Ademola Lookman has carried on this season where he left off. He is without doubt the spearhead of La Dea's attack. And on Tuesday, the Super Eagle has another chance to prove it against Real Madrid, before his likely triumph at the 2024 CAF Awards on 16 December at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech.

Atalanta Bergamo v Real Madrid, all eyes on Lookman

Image recovered from a public archive captured on 10/12/2024. The archived file is verified; the current source is unavailable. View archived capture

Great players always turn up in big games. Ademola Lookman is expected to make a major impact in the Champions League on Tuesday, especially after his hat-trick in last season's Europa League final. Shining against Real Madrid means an even bigger audience and greater exposure.

Read also: Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagle flying high

The good news is that Lookman is in great form. He has scored 5 goals in his last 6 games for his team in all competitions. The Nigerian is also in the running with Serhou Guirassy for the African Player of the Year award at the CAF Awards. Although voting closed several weeks ago, the former Leicester City player has a golden opportunity to raise his profile even further on the international stage, to validate and justify a possible win.

Read also: 2024 Ballon d'Or: Ademola Lookman now aiming higher after finishing 14th

Atalanta Bergamo v Real Madrid, a game with plenty at stake

Image recovered from a public archive captured on 02/11/2024. The archived file is verified; the current source is unavailable. View archived capture

Real Madrid arrive in Italy with a very clear objective: win to stay in the hunt for a play-off place. Los Blancos have made a poor start to the Champions League league phase and must take the 9 remaining points available out of 9. They will therefore come with real motivation and will surely raise their level.

Read also: Champions League: Ademola Lookman confirms his superb form

That is to ignore Atalanta Bergamo's impressive momentum. The game comes at the best possible time for the Italian side. They are on 9 straight wins in all competitions and a 14-match unbeaten run. Their last defeat came on 24 September, in matchday 5 of Serie A against Como.

Read also: Ademola Lookman: "I didn't let myself get distracted"

Atalanta Bergamo also have a score to settle. The Italian club lost 2-0 to Real Madrid early in the season in the UEFA Super Cup on 14 August in Warsaw, Poland. With that strong form in contrast to Madrid's less enviable run, La Dea could make a big statement on Tuesday evening (20:00 GMT), probably with a star turn from Lookman.