Diego Simeone has singled out Ademola Lookman for special praise following Atletico Madrid’s progression to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Lookman proved decisive once again against Barcelona, scoring the crucial goal in a 2-1 second-leg defeat that still secured a 3-2 aggregate victory at the Estadio Metropolitano.
Simeone highlights Lookman’s impact
Barcelona had overturned Atletico’s first-leg advantage early through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, putting the tie level within 24 minutes.
However, Lookman restored Atletico’s aggregate lead in the 31st minute, finishing clinically to put the game back in the hosts’ favour.
Speaking after the match, Simeone underlined the forward’s growing influence within his system.
Well, he’s still evolving. He’s improving a lot defensively, which makes him even more important. And, of course, he’s carrying more weight in the team,” Simeone said.
“He’s brilliant offensively; he’s very courageous; he’s very good one-on-one. Since I’ve been in the club, we never had players like that, with those features.”
Tactical value and growth
Simeone also pointed to Lookman’s role in Atletico’s attacking structure, noting the team’s aggressive approach in forward areas.
“The amount of running we did was unbelievable and the offensive importance of them just giving the pace to the team when he was on the ball,” he added.
“We need more from him; he has more in his tank.”
Lookman, who joined from Atalanta earlier this year, has quickly established himself as a key figure in high-stakes fixtures, particularly against Barcelona.
Semi-final focus
The result confirms Atletico’s return to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in nine years.
They will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the next round.