Atletico Madrid are in the Champions League semifinals for the first time in nine years, and their fans know exactly who deserves a large share of the credit, Footynaija.com reports.
Diego Simeone’s side advanced 3-2 on aggregate after a 2-1 home defeat by Barcelona on Tuesday , a result that sent the Metropolitano into full celebration.
Barcelona had raced into a two-goal lead inside 24 minutes through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, briefly levelling the tie on aggregate and threatening one of the great European comebacks.
What steadied Atletico in that moment was Ademola Lookman. The Super Eagles forward collected a Marcos Llorente assist and converted in the 31st minute to restore Atletico’s aggregate advantage , a goal that changed the shape and mood of the entire tie.
From that point, Atletico held their nerve through a frantic second half, and Barcelona’s hopes were extinguished further when Eric Garcia received a red card for hauling down Alexander Sorloth late on.
The reaction from Atletico’s global fanbase was immediate. Fan page Atletico Universe, one of the most followed supporter accounts for the club, captured the sentiment best:
“Undoubtedly, without Lookman, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today. What a signing. God bless him and Nigeria.”
Undoubtedly, without Lookman, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today.
It was not just the goal on Tuesday night that earned that tribute. Lookman, who joined Atletico from Atalanta in February, has been a constant presence in their European run this season.
Atletico will face either Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semifinals , after the Gunners took a 1-0 lead into their second leg at the Emirates on Wednesday evening.
Whichever opponent comes through, Lookman will be central to Atletico’s ambitions of going one step further than the finals they lost in 2014 and 2016.
