Super Eagles star, Ademola Lookman has spoken out after playing for 60 minutes as Atletico Madrid achieved a rare victory over Barcelona at the Camp Nou during the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
The 2-0 triumph marked Diego Simeone’s first win at the iconic home ground of Barcelona since he took over the management of Atlético.
Goals from Julián Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth, who came on as a substitute for Lookman, ensured a victory for Los Rojiblancos.
In reflecting on the outcome, Lookman commended the team’s collective effort, especially their defensive strength on a challenging evening.
“It was a good result, the performance of the team, particularly not conceding here. It demonstrates the effort everyone has been putting in and the unity we share,” he stated to TNT Sports, as reported by allnigeriasoccer.com.
Lookman emphasized the significance of pivotal moments that influenced the match, notably the turning point just before half-time when Barcelona was reduced to ten men due to Pau Cubarsí’s red card.
Atlético took immediate advantage, with Álvarez skillfully converting the resulting free-kick.
“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.
“They are a top team, of course, in the situations they create. Difficult moments, but we persevered together.
“It’s going to be a massive challenge, a significant game. We understand that. Calm heads, for sure. We’ll approach each game as it comes.
“It has been nice, it has been great actually, long may it continue.”