Atletico Madrid have taken a significant step towards the Champions League semi-finals after securing a 2-0 victory over Barcelona in their quarter-final first leg, with Nigeria international Ademola Lookman praising the team’s performance and unity.
Goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth ensured Diego Simeone’s side left Camp Nou with a crucial advantage, putting them in a strong position ahead of the return leg. Alvarez opened the scoring with a well-taken free kick, before Sorloth doubled the lead with 20 minutes remaining.
The result marks another positive outcome for Atletico against Barcelona, having already eliminated them from the Copa del Rey at the semi-final stage in March. This encounter was the second of three meetings between the two sides within a two-week period.
Speaking after the match, Lookman highlighted the importance of both the result and the collective effort shown by the team, particularly their ability to keep a clean sheet away from home.
“It was a good result, the performance of the team, especially not to concede here. It shows the work everyone’s been doing and the togetherness,” he said.
Atletico’s disciplined display proved decisive, particularly after Barcelona were reduced to ten men during the match. Lookman pointed to the timing of Atletico’s goals as a crucial factor in securing the win.
“If you say so. You know especially scoring after they had a man sent off, that was key as well. Brilliant free-kick from Julián (Alvarez) and also the timing of Alex’s (Alexander Sørloth) goal in the second half was also good.”
Despite the convincing scoreline, Lookman acknowledged the challenge posed by Barcelona, noting that Atletico had to withstand difficult periods during the match.
“They are a top team of course, in situations they put you in. Difficult moments but we dug in together.It’s going to be a massive challenge, massive game. we know that. Calm heads, for sure. We’ll take each game as it comes.”
Atletico Madrid, who have yet to win the Champions League, have come close in the past, reaching the final in both 2014 and 2016, only to lose to city rivals Real Madrid on each occasion. This latest result will fuel hopes that they can go one step further this season.
Lookman also expressed satisfaction with his own experience at the club, suggesting confidence is high within the squad as they continue their campaign.
“It has been nice, it has been great actually, long may it continue.”
With a two-goal cushion, Atletico now turn their attention to the second leg, where they will aim to finish the job and secure a place in the semi-finals.
