Lookman Fires Atletico Into Champions League Semis
Last update: April 15, 2026
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Lookman scores crucial goal as Atletico Madrid reached Champions League semi-finals...
Ademola Lookman delivered a decisive performance as Atletico Madrid booked a place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League despite a 2-1 defeat to FC Barcelona at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Tuesday night.
CBI News reports that the Super Eagles star, who joined Atletico in January, continues to impress, with his crucial goal sealing the club’s first semi-final appearance in nine years.
Barcelona, under manager Hansi Flick, started strongly as they sought to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg.
Their early pressure paid off when teenage forward Lamine Yamal capitalised on a defensive error to open the scoring.
The visitors doubled their lead shortly after, with Ferran Torres finishing calmly into the far corner after being set up by Dani Olmo, wiping out Atletico’s aggregate advantage and setting up a tense contest.
With the tie slipping away, Atletico responded through Lookman, who converted a well-delivered cross from Marcos Llorente with a composed first-half finish to restore his side’s aggregate lead.
The match remained intense, with both sides creating chances.
Barcelona thought they had regained control at one point, but a goal was ruled out for offside.
Their task became more difficult when Eric García was sent off after pulling down Alexander Sørloth as the last defender following a VAR review.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Barcelona continued to threaten.
Robert Lewandowski came close with a header, while Ronald Araújo missed a late opportunity at the back post.
In the end, Atletico held on to secure qualification, handing Barcelona a third consecutive Champions League elimination at the hands of the Madrid side.
