Lookman opens La Liga account in Atlético victory

After an impressive start to his time in Spain with goals in the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League, Ademola Lookman has now scored his first La Liga goal in a dominant 4-2 victory for Atlético Madrid over Espanyol.

The Nigerian arrived at the far post with a diving header after Matteo Ruggeri did well to flick a corner kick service into a dangerous position.

Visitors Espanyol got off to a surprise start when Jofre put the sixth place side ahead in the 6th minute. However, the response was swift and then harsh from the hosts at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.

Giant striker Alexander Sørloth leveled the match in the 21st minute. Giuliano Simeone began the second half onslaught by putting the hosts ahead in the 49th minute, leading to Lookman’s header handing Los Rojiblancos the lead before the hour mark.

MOOOOOOOLAAAAAA 😁

3-1 pic.twitter.com/urQpUt01Co

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) February 21, 2026

Sørloth added his second in the 72nd minute before a late consolation from the visitors. Atlético, twelve points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid and ten points behind Barcelona, are locked in a fierce battle to be “the best of the rest”. They are level with Villarreal on 48 points but have played one more match than The Yellow Submarine.

Lookman continues to add a boost to the attack since his arrival from Atalanta. He now has four goals and two assists in six matches, and will look to help his new club secure a place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The club from the capital will host Club Brugge on Tuesday for the second leg of their Round of 32 clash following a 3-3 first leg result in Belgium last week.