Ademola Lookman Eyes Copa Del Rey Final As Atlético Madrid Host Barcelona

Ademola Lookman will look to steer Atlético Madrid into their first Copa del Rey final in more than a decade when they face Barcelona in tonight’s decisive second leg.

Diego Simeone’s side carries a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first meeting, a result that stunned the Catalans and shifted the balance of the tie.

Lookman was central to that display, scoring once and setting up another in a ruthless performance at the Metropolitano.

The Nigeria forward, who joined Atlético for €35m in January, has made an immediate impression. He has produced two goals and two assists in his opening two matches and added another strike in four La Liga outings. His sharp movement and direct running have quickly earned him a key role in Simeone’s plans.

Atlético are chasing their first Copa del Rey final appearance since the 2012/13 season, Simeone’s first year in charge. Confidence is high after three straight wins in all competitions, including a 5-0 quarter-final rout of Real Betis and a 1-0 league win over Real Oviedo at the weekend.

Lookman played only 45 minutes in that match, suggesting he is being preserved for the Barcelona clash.

At club level, his only major honour remains the 2024 UEFA Europa League title, when his hat-trick powered Atalanta to glory. He has also experienced defeat in a domestic final, losing 4-1 with RB Leipzig against Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

Barcelona must respond without the injured duo of Gavi and Frenkie de Jong. Ferran Torres and Julián Álvarez remain their main attacking threats.