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Lookman Hails Resilience as Atlético Madrid Stage Comeback to Reach Champions League Semifinals
Ademola Lookman has highlighted belief, resilience, and key moments as the driving force behind Atlético Madrid’s dramatic comeback against Barcelona, which secured their place in the UEFA Champions League semifinals for the first time since the 2016–17 season.
Atlético overturned a difficult start at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Tuesday night, coming from two goals down on the night to edge Barcelona 3–2 on aggregate and book a place in the last four.
Barcelona had taken early control through Lamine Yamal’s fourth-minute opener and Ferran Torres’ 24th-minute strike, but Lookman’s response just after the half-hour mark proved pivotal in shifting momentum back to the Spanish side.
Reflecting afterwards, the Nigeria international pointed to mentality and collective belief as the turning point in the encounter.
“I’m very, very happy, of course, to play in this competition and to be here. It shows the credit to the staff, team, everybody in terms of the work and dedication, and the quality as well in this squad,” Lookman told CBS Sports Golazo. “It wasn’t easy today but everybody dug in and everyone showed their hard work.”
The forward admitted Atlético’s recovery was built on staying mentally strong after falling behind early.
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“Definitely going 2–0 down is not easy.
They had the momentum at that time,” he said. “Key moments like that give everybody belief to keep going — you will get your moments.”
He also revealed the halftime message that helped steady the team’s approach during a tense period of the match.
“To stay positive. Stay positive in the work in terms of what we believe in, knowing again we’ll get the moments for sure and we did,” Lookman explained.
Atlético’s ability to withstand pressure and respond at crucial moments ultimately proved decisive, sealing a second major elimination of Barcelona this season after their Copa del Rey exit.
Looking ahead to the semifinals, where Atlético will face either Arsenal or Sporting CP, Lookman remained composed about the challenge.
“In the semi-finals of the Champions League, whoever you get is a top team, whoever passes,” he said.
