Ademola Lookman continues to settle into life in Spain with confidence, and on Wednesday night, he added another strong chapter to his growing European story. The Nigerian forward scored as Atletico Madrid played out a dramatic 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 playoff.
The result leaves the tie open ahead of the return leg in Madrid, but beyond the scoreline, it was a personal milestone for Lookman that stood out. The 28-year-old not only found the net on his Champions League debut for Atletico, he also entered the competition’s record books in the process.It was another reminder that since his January move from Atalanta, Lookman has quickly become an important option in Diego Simeone’s attack.
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A Rare Record in Europe
Lookman’s goal against Club Brugge was more than just a second strike of the night for Atletico. It placed him among a small group of players who have scored for two different clubs in the same Champions League season.
Before joining Atletico, Lookman had already scored in the competition for Atalanta earlier in the campaign. By finding the net again in Spain, he became only the fifth player to achieve that feat in a single season. The list includes players such as Erling Haaland, who managed the same milestone earlier in his career.
The goal also marked another first for the Spanish side. Lookman became the first Atletico player to score on his Champions League debut since Héctor Herrera in 2019.2019. He is also the first starter to do so since Ángel Correa achieved it in 2015.
For a player still adjusting to a new league and tactical system, those numbers speak clearly.
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A Night of Drama and Nigerian Impact
The game itself had everything. Atletico started brightly and went ahead through Julián Álvarez from the penalty spot. They doubled their lead before half-time when Antoine Griezmann’s involvement created space for Lookman, who reacted quickly to finish from close range.
However, the match shifted after the break. Club Brugge fought back strongly, and Nigerian midfielder, Raphael Onyedika, played a key role in their response. He scored to reduce the deficit and later assisted the late equaliser that made it 3-3.
Atletico thought they had secured the win after a late own goal, but Brugge refused to give up. The Belgian side found another goal to level the score, ensuring the tie remains finely balanced ahead of the second leg at the Metropolitano Stadium.
For Lookman, the performance reinforced his reputation as a player who steps up on big nights. He has now scored in Italy and Spain in the same Champions League season and continues to show that he can adapt across leagues without losing his sharpness in front of goal.
With Atletico preparing for domestic action before the return leg, all eyes will be on whether Lookman can once again make the difference when it matters most.
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