Drama unfolded both on and off the pitch as Atalanta claimed a tense 1–0 victory over Olympique de Marseille in Wednesday night’s UEFA Champions League League Phase encounter, a result overshadowed by a sideline altercation between Ademola Lookman and manager Ivan Jurić.
The match itself was a tight, tactical battle marked by missed chances and frustration. Atalanta squandered an early opportunity when Charles De Ketelaere’s penalty was saved, while Lookman’s first-half goal was ruled out for offside after VAR review. Marseille, meanwhile, created several chances of their own but were repeatedly denied by the inspired Atalanta goalkeeper.
Late Controversy Seals Atalanta Win
The deadlock was finally broken in the 90th minute when Lazar Samardzic finished a lightning counterattack, though replays appeared to show Ederson handling the ball moments earlier. The non-call enraged Marseille players and staff, who surrounded the referee at full-time demanding an explanation.
Despite the controversy, the result gives Atalanta a crucial boost in their European campaign amid a rocky Serie A run.
Lookman–Jurić Clash Overshadows Victory
The biggest talking point, however, came in the 75th minute, when Jurić substituted Ademola Lookman with the score still 0–0.
As Lookman walked off visibly frustrated, he appeared to mutter something toward the bench, prompting an explosive reaction from the Croatian coach. Viral footage showed Jurić grabbing Lookman by the arm in an attempt to confront him before the forward briefly pushed back.
The situation escalated until Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi and Marten de Roon intervened to separate the pair. Lookman eventually walked off to applause from the bench, though the tension was palpable.
“It’s a Normal Episode” Jurić Downplays Incident
Speaking after the match, Jurić brushed off the altercation as part of football’s emotional nature:
“Some players aren’t happy to be substituted; they don’t react well. We sort these things out in the locker room,” he said.
Drawing parallels to Antonio Conte’s past confrontations with players, Jurić insisted there was “no problem” with Lookman, adding that he admired the forward’s passion and work rate.
Strained Relations and Dip in Form
Lookman’s frustration may reflect deeper tensions at Atalanta. The Nigerian forward, who has scored 53 goals in 127 appearances since joining from RB Leipzig in 2022, reportedly pushed for a move to Inter Milan in the summer of 2025, a transfer the club blocked.
His form has dipped since then, with just one goal in nine games this season. The relationship with the club hierarchy has also been rocky, with former boss Gian Piero Gasperini once criticizing Lookman’s penalty-taking in public.
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney weighed in on the confrontation, saying on a podcast:
“When you physically put your hands on somebody… you and I are not going to have a conversation again.”
Next Up for Atalanta
Atalanta will look to build on this dramatic victory when they host Sassuolo at the New Balance Arena on Sunday, hoping to stabilize their Serie A form and cool tensions in the dressing room after a fiery European night in Marseille.
