Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman and Atlético Madrid survived a major scare against Barcelona to advance to the Spanish Copa del Rey final.

Lookman was hoping to make history on Tuesday night when Atlético faced Barcelona in the semi-finals — and he did, albeit in disappointing circumstances, Footballrover reports.

Copa del Rey record chase for Ademola Lookman

The Nigerian international played 58 minutes before being replaced by Nahuel Molina as Diego Simeone’s side suffered a 3-0 defeat in the second leg at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Atlético entered the match with a commanding advantage after thrashing Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Lookman was one of the standout performers in that game. He scored Atlético’s third goal and later provided the assist for the fourth as Simeone’s side delivered a dominant display.

The second leg, however, produced a dramatic twist. Despite the 3-0 defeat, Atlético still progressed to the final, holding on to their aggregate advantage after their hosts failed to complete the comeback.

Barca gave everything in search of the goals needed to overturn the 4-0 deficit, but they were unable to find the breakthrough against their disciplined visitors.

With Atlético through to the final, Lookman is set to become the first Nigerian in 29 years to feature in a Copa del Rey final.

The last time a Nigerian appeared in the final was in 1997, when Barca faced Real Betis.

Emmanuel Amuneke was part of a Barca squad packed with stars, including Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Luis Figo and Hristo Stoichkov.

Although Amuneke did not feature on the night, he became the first Nigerian to win the trophy.

Lookman’s legacy and ambition in Spanish football history

Lining up for Betis was Finidi George, who left his mark on the occasion. He fired Betis into a 2–1 lead in the 82nd minute, only for Barca to respond through Juan Antonio Pizzi before Figo scored the decisive goal in extra time.

Finidi’s strike remains the most recent goal scored by a Nigerian in a Copa del Rey final.

Nearly three decades on, Lookman now has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Amuneke and Finidi.

Just weeks after arriving in Madrid, the former Atalanta forward stands on the brink of winning his first piece of silverware in Spain.

Atlético have done their part to reach the final. One more victory, and Lookman will carve out his own place in Nigerian football history.

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Last Updated on March 4, 2026 5:57 am by footballrover