Nigeria international Ademola Lookman lit up the Metropolitano on Thursday night, scoring once and setting up another as Atlético Madrid dismantled Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final clash.
It was a night when everything seemed to fall into place for Diego Simeone’s men. The breakthrough arrived almost instantly. Under early pressure, defender Eric García turned the ball into his own net, handing Atlético a dream start.
Barcelona had barely gathered themselves when Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead in the 14th minute with a calm finish. The hosts were relentless, snapping into tackles and moving the ball with purpose.
Lookman’s moment came just after the half-hour mark. Lurking where it mattered most, the former Atalanta forward applied the finishing touch to make it three. It was his first goal at home for Atlético.
The Nigerian was not done. On the stroke of half-time, he turned provider, slipping the ball through for Julián Álvarez, who drilled home to cap a ruthless first-half display.
Speaking afterwards, Ademola Lookman said via Sporty TV: “I’m very, very happy. Of course, scoring is good, but I think the team played really well tonight. In the box we were very professional, and today we showed a great level of teamwork.”
He was quick to acknowledge the supporters who roared Atlético on from the first whistle.
“We got that energy from our fans tonight, they were amazing, so we are glad,” he said.
Asked whether he had pictured himself finding the net against Barcelona, the 28-year-old Nigerian forward said: “You always want to score as an attacker, always looking to get into dangerous positions, so I just try to be in the right place at the right time.”
Despite the commanding advantage, Lookman insisted there is no room for complacency ahead of the return leg.
“Of course, it’s a big victory. But we have a few more games coming up before we play away, so we need to stay with the same mindset and focus on those matches, which will take us to the other semi final. We are excited about the days to come,” he said.
Lookman’s impact since arriving from Atalanta in the January transfer window has been immediate. He has now registered two goals and two assists in just three appearances, carrying the confidence and sharpness that marked his recent international exploits straight into Spanish football.
Barcelona, meanwhile, endured a frustrating evening. Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo both tested goalkeeper Juan Musso, but Atlético’s defence stood firm, clearing their lines with authority and composure.
