Super Eagles and Atletico Madrid striker Ademola Lookman has spoken confidently ahead of his side’s UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Arsenal, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old missed Atletico’s games against Elche and Athletic Club with a minor injury but has been passed to feature in the clash against Mikel Arteta’s men at the Metroplitano.
Diego Simeone’s men have defeated Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona in the 2025/2026 run-in to the semi-final, and the home advantage allows them to dictate the result heading to the Emirates Stadium next week.
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Atletico vs Arsenal: Lookman talks tough
The former Atalanta man moved to Spain in the winter transfer window, and has now admitted that the levels in Madrid are above anything he’s ever seen, labelling Los Rojiblancos as one of the best teams in the World.
“Atlético is one of the best clubs in the world, with top players, the team is amazing, the fans are also,” the one-time UEFA Europa League winner said in quotes revealed by Mundo Deportivo.
“It’s a pleasure to play here, what’s happening to us is being fantastic, I want to help the team.”
Lookman was born in London and played for the England U-20 team before pivoting to Nigeria. However, his time at the English capital means the clash holds some emotions for him.
Still, he believes his team can conjure up something against Mikel Arteta’s men with the help of the crowd at the Metropolitano.
“They’re a tough opponent, a top team, we have to be ready to fight. They are in the Champions League semi-finals, there are no easy rivals at this point. It will be a very tough match.
“It’s emotional for me. I grew up in London. The first time was with the Charlton, being a child. Being from London it is a very special match, but what I want is to win.
“As long as we have the fans with us, we’ll have a special power. Having our fans behind us is special, the atmosphere at home, the energy it gives us.
“In the last game in Barcelona, we had the fans outside at the hotel. That feeling is great.
“The first game at home will be great, I hope they give us a lot of strength,” the 2024 CAF Player of the Year concluded.
The Gunners travel to Spain as wounded Lions. Arsenal have already lost the Carabao Cup and exited the FA Cup in the space of a month, and in the English Premier League, the deficit has been reduced by Manchester City.
If they’re to stand a chance of lifting silverware this season, they have to put several goals past a porous Atletico Madrid defence that is yet to keep a clean sheet in the UEFA Champions League this season.
However, they have to fight without Kai Havertz, who’s out until next month with a knock. Additionally, Bukayo Saka is doubtful to start, having only recovered from an injury.
Atletico, meanwhile, have received a massive boost with Lookman’s return, but it is highly unlikely that the Nigerian will start. Since joining the 2014 La Liga winners, he’s yet to complete 90 minutes on the pitch.
