Ademola Lookman reflects on first home goal for Atletico Madrid

Nigeria winger Ademola Lookman says he was very happy to score his first home goal for Atletico Madrid as they cruised past Barcelona in a 4-0 Copa del Rey semifinal first leg win at the Metropolitano Stadium on Thursday.

The Super Eagle contributed a goal and an assist as Atletico remained on course to reach the final.

The former Atalanta star smashed in the first goal but was not credited for it due to the ball crossing the line after Barca goalkeeper Joan Garcia allowed a backpass to go under Ademola Lookman foot in the 6th minute.

 

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However, Ademola Lookman received full credit when he finished from Julián Alvarez’s clever pass in the 33rd minute after Antoine Griezmann’s stunning strike in the 14th minute. The Nigerian then returned the favor just before halftime with the Argentine striking in the fourth goal to complete a stunning first half.

‘It’s nice to score’

“I’m very, very happy. Of course, it’s nice to score, but I think the performance of the team was top tonight. In both boxes we were clinical, and we showed togetherness today that was impeccable,” Ademola Lookman told Sporty TV.

“We got that energy from our fans tonight, they were amazing, so we are glad.”

On scoring against Barcelona, Ademola Lookman said: “You always want to score as an attacker, always looking to get into dangerous positions, so I just try to be there at the right moment at the right time.

“The expectation of us was clear. We knew what we had to do today because the stakes are very high. Today was a match for us to go out there and show what we are all about and we did. It was a great performance.”

Atletico got top players with amazing ability

Looking ahead of the return leg, Lookman said: “Of course, it’s a big victory. But we have a few more games in between before we play them away, so we must keep the same mindset and the same focus in those matches, which will take us to the other semifinal. We are looking forward to the days ahead.”

On his Atletico’s squad, Lookman could not hide his enjoy playing with top quality players. He said: “They are top, top players with amazing ability and amazing talent. It is very nice to play with these types of players, to work with them and to have the same goal to win. That’s very important.”

Lookman has 2 goals and an assist in 3 matches since joining. Next up is a return to LaLiga with a trip to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, where Los Rojiblancos will attempt to maintain their position in third place.