Tensions ran high on the sidelines as Ademola Lookman and Atalanta manager Ivan Juric clashed during their tense 1-0 Champions League victory over Marseille on Wednesday night.
The Serie A side snatched the win late on, with Lazar Samardzic’s controversial 90th-minute strike proving the difference in Bergamo.
Atalanta’s winner came in dramatic fashion, though it didn’t come without controversy.
The hosts broke forward after midfielder Ederson appeared to handle the ball inside his own penalty area, sparking protests from Marseille players who felt play should have been stopped.
Instead, the Italian club surged down the other end, where Samardzic fired home to seal a crucial three points.
The game itself had been a tense affair, with both sides struggling to create clear chances.
Atalanta, who had failed to win their last two group matches, showed greater determination in the closing stages, pushing hard for a late breakthrough that eventually came in their favor.
The victory now gives them a lifeline in their bid to qualify for the knockout rounds.
However, much of the post-match discussion centered not on the result, but on the heated exchange between Juric and Nigerian forward Lookman.
The incident occurred moments after the 28-year-old was substituted, with the manager appearing to take exception to a remark from his player as he walked past the dugout.
Juric was seen grabbing Lookman before another member of the coaching staff quickly intervened to separate them. Though the confrontation was brief, it drew significant attention from cameras and spectators alike.
Neither Juric nor Lookman commented publicly after the match, leaving fans speculating about what sparked the altercation on a night that otherwise ended in celebration for Atalanta.
