Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman has spoken with confidence and clarity ahead of UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash between FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigeria international has offered insight into both the challenge ahead and his own growing influence since arriving in Spain.
The two sides meet at the Spotify Camp Nou on April 8, just days after Barcelona edged a dramatic 2-1 win in La Liga. But while the Catalan side come into the tie with strong attacking numbers under Hansi Flick, Atlético will look to their recent cup success, and the form of Lookman, as reasons for belief.
Lookman, who joined Atlético from Atalanta in February, was full of respect when asked about Barcelona’s quality.
“About Barcelona’s quality, of course, massive, massive club, massive team, a lot of quality inside the team,” he said as per In the Calderon.
“We won 4-0 at home (in the Copa del Rey) and the result of the away match was that, and we’re through to the final. There’s a lot to take away from both games, home and away. We’ve obviously learned from that and we’re still learning from that.”
Atlético may have struggled for consistency in the league, but their ability to knock Barcelona out of the Copa del Rey semi-finals shows they remain dangerous, especially in knockout football.
Lookman’s fast start and Barcelona impact
Since his move to Madrid, Lookman has quickly become a key figure in Diego Simeone’s side. The former Atalanta forward has scored five goals and provided four assists in just 14 appearances across all competitions.
He made an immediate impression by scoring on his debut in a 5-0 Copa del Rey win over Real Betis, and has since delivered in La Liga, Europe and domestic cup competitions, a rare feat for a mid-season signing.
But it is his performances against Barcelona that stand out most.
Lookman has already faced the Spanish giants twice since his arrival, playing a decisive role in Atlético’s 4-3 aggregate victory in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. In the first leg, he scored once and assisted another in a dominant 4–0 win, producing a display full of pace, direct running and composure in front of goal.
Although Atlético lost the second leg 3-0, his contribution in the first meeting proved enough to send the team into the final.
He was rested in the recent La Liga defeat, a decision by Simeone clearly aimed at keeping him fresh for the Champions League tie, a sign of just how important he has become.
When asked about Atlético’s ability to compete not just with Barcelona, but also with Real Madrid over a full season, Lookman did not hesitate.
“I think Atlético is a massive, massive club on all fronts. I noticed that before I came here and obviously being here, it’s a lot bigger and right in your face,” he reflected.
“The squad is full of amazing players, quality. We want to compete, and we’ll compete on all fronts, in three different competitions, which is credit to everybody here, credit to the staff, credit to the players, credit to the mentality here. The mentality is to win as much as we can, win the games that are in front of us.”
Barcelona take on Atletico at Camp Nou on Wednesday before the two sides meet for the return fixture at the Wanda Metropolitano next week.
