Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman is set for a high profile clash against Arsenal FC after helping Atletico Madrid secure a place in the semi finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Atletico advanced for the first time since the 2016 17 season despite a 2 1 second leg loss to FC Barcelona sealing a 3 2 aggregate victory. Lookman played a decisive role scoring in the 31st minute of the return leg after Barcelona had staged a comeback through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. His goal restored Atletico’s advantage and proved crucial in their progression.
Arsenal confirmed their place in the last four with a narrow 1 0 aggregate win over Sporting CP setting up an exciting semi final encounter.
Since joining Atletico from Atalanta BC during the winter transfer window Lookman has made an immediate impact scoring 10 goals in all competitions and becoming a key figure in the squad.
Speaking ahead of the clash the Nigerian international acknowledged the challenge posed by Arsenal but expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for top level competition.
His goal against Barcelona also places him among an elite group of Nigerians including Obafemi Martins Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen who have scored in a Champions League quarter final.
Atletico manager go Simeone praised Lookman’s ing qualities work rate and growing influence noting that the forward continues to evolve and remains vital to the team’s ambitions.
With his confidence rising and form peaking Lookman now heads into the semi finals with an opportunity to further elish himself as a central figure for Atletico as they chase European glory.
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