Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman delivered an impressive performance as Atletico Madrid secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Osasuna on Tuesday night, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian forward opened the scoring from the penalty spot after a bright start, before substitute Alexander Sorloth added a second goal in the second half. Osasuna pulled one back late on through Kike Barja to set up a tense finish.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Atletico held on for the victory to officially book their place in next season’s Champions League with league matches still left to play.
Osasuna vs Atletico Madrid: How the match played out
Atletico Madrid came into the match on the back of two consecutive defeats across all competitions, including their elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the semifinal round against Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman started in a more advanced role in the absence of Julian Alvarez and was expected to play a key role as Atletico sought the win needed to secure a top-four finish.
The visitors were handed an early advantage after VAR awarded them a penalty. With Alvarez unavailable, Lookman stepped up confidently and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Atletico a 1-0 lead.
The goal sparked Osasuna into life as the hosts began to dominate possession and create chances. However, Juan Musso produced several important saves to keep Atletico ahead. Osasuna were later denied a penalty after another VAR review ruled that Musso had won the ball in his challenge with Ante Budimir.
Osasuna continued to press in the second half, with Budimir again being denied by Musso. Atletico, however, proved more clinical in front of goal and doubled their advantage when Sorloth rose highest to head home a cross from Marcos Llorente.
Llorente’s evening quickly turned sour as the versatile Spaniard was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving Atletico to play the closing stages with 10 men.
Osasuna eventually found a breakthrough in stoppage time through Barja, but it proved too little too late as Atletico held on to secure all three points and confirm their Champions League qualification.
Super Eagles watch: Lookman shines as Atletico return to winning ways
Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has enjoyed an excellent run of form since joining Atletico Madrid from Atalanta during the winter transfer window and the Nigerian forward once again made his mark with another influential display.
The 28-year-old took his tally to eight goals and four assists since arriving at the club after a well-taken first-half penalty. Despite only joining midway through the season, he has already become one of Atletico’s most productive players.
Lookman played 79 minutes before making way for Clement Lenglet as Atletico looked to tighten things at the back after Llorente’s dismissal.
The Nigerian forward completed all of his dribbles and recorded a passing accuracy of 79%. He also won six duels and drew two fouls during an outstanding all-round performance and his display earned him a 7.4 match rating on Sofascore, which was one of the highest in the match.
Atletico Madrid have now secured Champions League football for next season and their focus will shift to finishing the season in strong form, with fixtures to come against Girona and Villarreal in the La Liga.
