BERGAMO, Italy (AP) — Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman likened his team’s goalless draw against Premier League giants Arsenal to a “chess match” after the two sides battled to a 0-0 result in Thursday’s Champions League clash at the Gewiss Stadium.
Despite a missed penalty in the second half by Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui, saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, Lookman took a positive outlook on the encounter, praising his side’s ability to go toe-to-toe with one of Europe’s top teams.
“We had a plan and we were unfortunate not to score,” Lookman said after the match. “We will take the positives out of it and move on.”
Lookman, who was a key figure for Atalanta during the match, compared the game to a strategic duel. “It was kind of a chess match,” the Nigerian international remarked. “Obviously, they are one of the top teams, and we matched them tonight.”
The draw leaves both Arsenal and Atalanta in the 16th and 17th spots on the Champions League table. Despite the lack of goals, Lookman remained optimistic: “We’ll take the draw. Onto the next.”
Atalanta will be looking to build on this result as they continue their European campaign.
