Sulemana’s Game-Changing Cameo earns Atalanta a Champions League berth in triumph over Roma

Atalanta clinched their spot in the upcoming UEFA Champions League thanks to a 2-1 victory over a resurgent Roma at home.

Though their aspirations for the title had slipped away, La Dea remained focused, eager to start the match on a high note.

And they did just that—within a mere nine minutes, a deft pass from Charles De Ketelaere found Ademola Lookman in the box, who shifted onto his right foot and slotted the ball into the bottom corner to put Atalanta ahead 1-0.

After assisting the first goal, De Ketelaere had an opportunity to extend the lead just ten minutes later. However, when Ederson pulled the ball back from the byline, the Belgian couldn’t find the target as his effort rolled wide of the goalpost.

De Ketelaere later had another shot on goal saved by Mile Svilar, and his missed chances came back to haunt the team shortly after the half-hour mark. A free-kick from Matias Soule was inadvertently guided into the net by Bryan Cristante, marking Roma’s 21st consecutive game with a goal across all competitions.

With the equaliser in hand, Roma sought to take the lead and almost did so ten minutes into the second half. Eldor Shomurodov made a strong run to the edge of the area but his weak shot was comfortably saved by Marco Carnesecchi.

A penalty shout for Roma arose shortly after the hour mark when Mario Pasalic was thought to have fouled Manu Kone. However, after a review via the pitchside monitor, the referee reversed the decision, keeping the match level.

Despite a lack of goalmouth excitement, the possibility of a decisive third goal lingered. Nonetheless, Atalanta sealed the win with just over a quarter of an hour left on the clock. Lookman’s cross found Ibrahim Sulemana, who struck a powerful first-time shot into the bottom right corner, igniting celebrations among the supporters at Gewiss Stadium.

The fans can now look forward to another season in the Champions League, as Atalanta secured third place, while a disappointed Roma must regroup. They sit sixth but are only a single point shy of the final European qualification spot with two matches remaining.