Ademola Lookman has set his sights on a high-profile UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash with FC Barcelona after helping Atlético de Madrid progress past Tottenham Hotspur F.C. in a demanding round-of-16 tie.
Despite suffering a 3–2 defeat in the second leg in London, Diego Simeone’s side advanced on aggregate, thanks largely to their commanding first-leg performance in Spain where they scored five goals to take control of the tie.
Lookman played an influential role in the decisive leg, providing the assist for Julián Álvarez’s equaliser after Randal Kolo Muani had earlier put Tottenham ahead. His contribution continues an impressive run of form since joining from Atalanta B.C. during the winter transfer window, with the Nigerian forward now directly involved in eight goals — four scored and four assisted.
Speaking after the match, Lookman acknowledged the difficulty of navigating such a competitive fixture, emphasizing the quality present in Europe’s elite competition.
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“I was very happy to be into the next round. Every game is hard—everyone knows this competition and the quality of the teams—so we are happy to have played today.”
He also pointed to Atlético’s clinical display in the first leg as the foundation of their qualification.
“In the last leg, obviously we played very well at home. We scored five goals and that has taken us through. There are positives to take from tonight’s performance, so it’s important going into the next round.”
The winger further highlighted the team’s composure after conceding first in the return leg, noting that maintaining belief was crucial to staying in the contest.
“They scored a goal and it is easy to collapse but with the mentality that we have is to stay calm, to stay in the game and to get opportunities and we did.”
For Lookman, the encounter in north London also carried personal meaning, marking a return to the city where he was born.
“Of course, it’s nice to be back in London. I call it home so it’s nice to be back here. We are through to the next round, that’s the most important.”
With qualification secured, attention now turns to the quarterfinal stage, where Atlético Madrid will face Barcelona in one of the standout ties of the round. Lookman stressed the need for proper preparation as his side aims to continue their European campaign.
“It’s a special game against another tough opponent. We need to be ready for that and prepare in the right way. The next game is at the weekend, and we take every match as it comes—game by game.”
The stakes remain high, with the winner of the tie set to meet either Arsenal F.C. or Sporting CP in the semifinals, as Atlético look to build on their momentum and push deeper into the competition.
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