Ademola Lookman delivered a statement performance on Thursday night as Atletico Madrid dismantled Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
In a thrilling, high-pressure match, the Nigerian forward rose to the occasion, netting a goal and setting up another in a commanding first-half performance that shocked the Spanish giants. Though the game was hyped as a showdown between two La Liga heavyweights, Lookman made sure his name was one of the biggest stories of the night.
Atletico raced into an early lead through an Eric Garcia own goal before Antoine Griezmann doubled the advantage. But it was Lookman’s sharp movement and clinical finish in the 33rd minute that effectively broke Barcelona’s resistance. He later turned provider, setting up Julian Alvarez for Atletico’s fourth goal just before half-time, capping off a ruthless opening 45 minutes.
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A Goal, An Assist, and Total Impact
Lookman’s goal showcased his instinct inside the box. After a swift attacking move down the right, the ball was clipped across and the forward reacted quickest, driving it home with confidence. It marked his second goal in as many games for Atletico, underlining how quickly he has settled into Diego Simeone’s system.
Beyond the goal, his assist for Alvarez demonstrated composure and awareness. With defenders scrambling, Lookman delivered a perfectly weighted pass that allowed the Argentine striker to fire home and end an 11-match goal drought. That contribution not only sealed a commanding half-time lead but also reflected Lookman’s growing influence in Atletico’s attack.
Signed to add pace and directness to the frontline, the former Atalanta star has already begun repaying that faith. His performance against Barcelona combined work rate, positional intelligence, and sharp finishing, qualities Simeone demands from his forwards.
On a night where Barcelona struggled to contain Atletico’s aggression, Lookman consistently found space and exploited defensive lapses. His pressing also disrupted Barcelona’s build-up play, forcing errors and keeping the pressure high throughout the first half.
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Barcelona Stunned as Atletico Take Control
The match itself unfolded at a relentless pace. Atletico’s opener came after Garcia’s backpass slipped under his own goalkeeper and into the net, setting a disastrous tone for the visitors. Griezmann added a second with a composed finish against his former club before Lookman and Alvarez completed the first-half demolition.
Barcelona attempted to respond after the break and thought they had pulled one back through Pau Cubarsi, but an eight-minute VAR review ruled the effort out for offside. The frustration deepened when Garcia was later sent off following another VAR check, compounding a difficult evening for the Copa del Rey holders.
For Atletico, the result represents a significant step toward the final as they carry a four-goal advantage into the second leg at Camp Nou on March 3.
Yet beyond the scoreline, the spotlight firmly belongs to Lookman. In just his third appearance since arriving in Spain, he not only scored and assisted but also dominated the narrative of a major European fixture.
If this performance is any indication, Atletico may have found a decisive weapon for the crucial months ahead, and Nigerian fans will be watching closely as Lookman continues to make his mark on one of football’s biggest stages.
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