UEFA Champions League: Lookman goal enough for Atletico’s semifinal ticket

Ademola Lookman’s goal was all Atlético Madrid needed in Tuesday’s 1-2 second leg defeat against fellow La Liga side Barcelona to progress to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League with a 3-2 aggregate victory.

​The match, played at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Tuesday, saw Los Rojiblancos welcome Hansi Flick’s side while holding a 2-0 advantage from their first leg victory at the Camp Nou.

​Diego Simeone’s men fell behind as Barcelona struck twice before the hour mark. Lamine Yamal broke the deadlock in the 4th minute before Ferran Torres doubled the advantage for the visitors.

​However, in the 31st minute, Marcos Llorente linked up with Nigeria national team star Lookman to pull one back for the hosts, providing the crucial goal needed to keep Atlético ahead on aggregate.

The hosts hold on to secure UEFA Champions League semifinal appearance

The second half saw Barcelona pushing to level the tie, but a second Torres goal was ruled out for offside. Lookman was substituted in the 67th minute for Nico González and the hosts held on, helped by a late red card issued to Barcelona defender Eric García.

 

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Atlético will now face the winner of the quarter-final between Arsenal and Sporting CP in the semi-finals. Lookman now has 6 goals and 4 assists in 17 matches since joining his current club in 2026.