UCL: Ademola Lookman celebrates Atletico Madrid’s clinical display after shocking Barcelona
Atletico Madrid secured a massive advantage in their quest for European glory with a 2-0 win over Barcelona. The first-leg quarter-final victory at Camp Nou has put Diego Simeone’s men in a strong position to reach the semi-finals.
Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman was central to the celebrations, praising the discipline his side showed against the Spanish giants.
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The match turned in the second half after Julian Alvarez scored a brilliant free-kick following a Barcelona red card.
Alexander Sorloth later doubled the lead with 20 minutes left on the clock. Reflecting on the result, Lookman spoke to TNT Sports about the importance of keeping a clean sheet away from home.
“It was a good result, the performance of the team, especially not to concede here. It shows the work everyone’s been doing and the togetherness,” Lookman stated.
Despite the pressure of playing at a legendary stadium, Atletico stayed organized. This win is particularly sweet for a club that reached the finals in 2014 and 2016 but fell short against Real Madrid.
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Lookman noted that the timing of the goals and the man advantage played a huge role in the outcome.
“If you say so. You know especially scoring after they had a man sent off, that was key as well. Brilliant free-kick from Julián (Alvarez) and also the timing of Alex’s (Alexander Sørloth) goal in the second half was also good,” the winger explained.
The rivalry between these two clubs is heating up, as this was their second meeting in just two weeks.
Atletico recently knocked Barcelona out of the Copa del Rey in March, and they look to repeat that success in the Champions League. However, Lookman remains focused on the hard work ahead.
“They are a top team of course, in situations they put you in. Difficult moments but we dug in together. It’s going to be a massive challenge, massive game. we know that. Calm heads, for sure. We’ll take each game as it comes. It has been nice, it has been great actually, long may it continue.”
