Follow Us on Google
Ademola Lookman will face Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals after helping Atletico Madrid secure a hard-fought aggregate win over Barcelona.
Atletico booked their place in the last four for the first time since the 2016/17 season, progressing 3-2 on aggregate despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg.
Lookman played a decisive role in the tie, scoring in the 31st minute of the return leg after Barcelona had fought back through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. His goal restored Atletico’s advantage and proved enough to send them through.
The Nigerian forward, who joined from Atalanta during the winter transfer window, has settled quickly in Spain, contributing 10 goals across all competitions and becoming a key attacking outlet for Diego Simeone’s side.
Looking ahead to the semi-final, Lookman admitted the challenge will be tough but said the team is ready.
“Another strong team, another top team,” he said.
“When you’re in the semi-finals of the Champions League, whoever you get will be tough. It’s a big occasion and one we’re really looking forward to.”
His strike against Barcelona also placed him among a select group of Nigerians to have scored in a Champions League quarter-final, alongside Obafemi Martins, Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone praised Lookman’s growing influence, pointing to his attacking quality and work rate.
Other News
“Since I’ve been in the club, we never had players like that with those features,” Simeone said.
“He’s still evolving. He’s improving a lot defensively, which makes him even more important. And, of course, he’s carrying more weight in the team.”
“He’s brilliant offensively. He’s very courageous. He’s very good on the one-on-one.
“And when we attack, we play it from the heart. The amount of running was unbelievable. His offensive importance, giving pace to the team when he was on the ball, was key.”
Despite the praise, Simeone believes the Nigerian can still offer more.
“We need more from him. He has more in his tank. We’ve seen it in Nigeria,” he said.
With his influence growing and confidence high, Lookman now heads into a high-stakes clash against Arsenal with a chance to further prove himself on Europe’s biggest stage.
