Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has shed light on his decision to leave Ademola Lookman out of the starting line-up in Tuesday night’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 play-off second leg.
Despite beginning the match on the bench at the Metropolitano Stadium, Lookman still had a telling say in proceedings. Introduced in the 70th minute for Alex Baena, the Nigerian international wasted little time stamping his authority on the tie.
Six minutes after his arrival, he slipped a neat pass into the path of Alexander Sørloth, who finished clinically to complete his hat-trick and put the result beyond doubt.
The Rojiblancos progressed 7-4 on aggregate, booking their place in the last 16 in some style.
Simeone, speaking after the match, made it clear that his selection call was shaped by form and balance rather than reputation.
“He [Lookman] didn’t play [start] because Sorloth played,” the Argentine said.
Explaining further, he added, “He [Lookman] will improve that [defensive ability] with time; his characteristics are purely offensive.
“Julián was going to work with the team because he knows us better. There are no big names.
“There are players. The game lasts 90 minutes. That is when we saw Griezmann come on in his thirties.”
Sørloth’s hat-trick headlined the evening, while Johnny Cardoso added another for the Spanish side. Club Brugge’s consolation arrived through Ecuador defender Joel Ordóñez.
