Ademola Lookman once again showed he is built for the big stage, finding the net in Atlético Madrid’s UEFA Champions League clash against fellow La Liga side Barcelona.

With the hosts already two goals down at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the Super Eagles star pulled one back, but Atlético ultimately fell to a 2–1 defeat against Barcelona, Footballrover reports.

Ademola Lookman sparks Atlético Madrid response against Barcelona

Lookman has now registered 10 goal involvements for Atlético — six goals and four assists across all competitions.

It has been a strong early impact from the Nigerian international, who joined the club during the winter transfer window from Atalanta.

The 28-year-old winger has contributed two goals and one assist in the Champions League, adding to his first strike in the 3–3 draw against Club Brugge on February 18.

Lookman featured for 66 minutes before being replaced by Nicolás González.

Atlético Madrid reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals despite the home defeat to Barca, advancing 3–2 on aggregate after their first-leg advantage.

The visitors started brightly, with Lamine Yamal testing goalkeeper Juan Musso early before opening the scoring just minutes later.

Barca took control of possession and soon doubled their lead through Ferran Torres, leveling the tie on aggregate and putting Atlético under real pressure.

Lookman continues hot streak in Atlético’s UCL journey

However, Atlético responded quickly, as Ademola Lookman capitalised on a simple chance to pull one back, restoring their aggregate advantage.

From that moment, the hosts adopted a more defensive approach, sitting deep and looking to break on the counter.

The away side pushed hard in the second half, even finding the net again through Torres, but the effort was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

Late drama followed as Eric García was sent off, weakening the visitors.

Despite relentless pressure, Barcelona could not find another goal, allowing Atlético to hold on and secure progression.

Ademola Lookman becomes the first Nigerian player in a decade to reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, following Kelechi Iheanacho’s run with Manchester City in 2016.

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Last Updated on April 14, 2026 10:24 pm by footballrover