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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has made it clear he is placing his faith in Jules Koundé as his side prepare to confront the growing influence of Ademola Lookman when they visit Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, footynaija.com reports.
Thursday’s meeting at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano brings together two of Spain’s biggest clubs once again in the latter stages of the competition, with Atlético aiming to knock out the defending champions after falling short at the same stage last season.
Barcelona, meanwhile, arrive with confidence built on a strong recent record against Diego Simeone’s men.
Nigeria social media aura is insane. We got Barcelona using Ademola lookman as atletico Madrid poster boy. https://t.co/mtghHpkqGK
— lobistars🇳🇬 (@john322226) February 12, 2026
The Catalans will have to cope without Marcus Rashford, but much of their attacking threat is expected to come from the lively Lamine Yamal.
Even so, the spotlight has largely shifted to Lookman, whose impact since joining Atlético from Atalanta for €35 million has been immediate and eye-catching.
The Nigerian winger wasted little time endearing himself to the home crowd, producing a goal and an assist on his Copa del Rey debut in a commanding 5-0 victory over Real Betis. His reputation as a decisive performer in knockout football only adds to the sense that Barcelona face a serious test.
Flick believes Koundé’s mentality will be crucial in dealing with Lookman’s speed and directness on the flank.
We are with you today Ademola Lookman🤝🔥
— AURA COOL (@theboyisblack1) February 12, 2026
🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/ukzcs4jPsg
“For me, Koundé is always a fighter,” Flick said at his pre-match press conference via Marca.
“Sometimes we don’t have our best day, we’re human. He always fights and tries to recover when he doesn’t get off to a good start. His mentality is top-notch and he’ll show that tomorrow. It’s a tough match because I really like Atlético de Madrid’s style of play, with a very clear philosophy and they’re not easy to defend against.”
Lookman’s excellent form in Europe over the past three seasons shows why he is viewed as Atlético’s new danger man, but history favours Barcelona, who have dominated recent meetings and remain unbeaten in their last eight Copa del Rey encounters with the Madrid club.
