Ademola Lookman and Atletico Madrid head into tonight’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Metropolitano Stadium holding a commanding 2-0 advantage over Barcelona — with a place in the semi-finals firmly in their sights.
Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth’s goals earned Atletico a commanding 2-0 first-leg victory over 10-man Barcelona in a tense clash at Camp Nou last Wednesday, with the result ending Barcelona’s 14-game winning streak at the revamped stadium. (Al Jazeera)
Lookman: “We Need Calm Heads”
Nigeria’s Lookman featured for 60 minutes in the first leg, delivering an energetic performance and playing a key role in Atletico’s attacking transitions and defensive structure before making way for Alexander Sorloth as Atletico adjusted tactically to protect their lead. (Africa Top Sports)
Speaking after the first leg, the 2024 African Footballer of the Year was measured but determined.
“Good result and performance from the team, especially not to concede here. That shows the work that everyone has been doing on togetherness. Barcelona are a top team and they put you in difficult moments. When you get your moments, you have to take them and we did that,” Lookman told TNT Sports.
He added: “The second leg is going to be a massive challenge and a massive game. We need calm heads for sure, but take every game as they come.”
How the First Leg Was Won
Barcelona dominated the opening exchanges at Camp Nou, but the tie turned dramatically in the 40th minute when Pau Cubarsi was sent off for fouling Giuliano Simeone — the coach’s son — as he ran through on goal, with VAR upgrading an initial yellow card to a straight red.
Alvarez capitalised immediately, whipping a stunning free kick into the top corner from 25 metres to give Atletico the lead at the break. Griezmann and Ruggeri then combined for the second, with Sorloth finishing from close range in the 70th minute to double the advantage.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was candid about the injustice he felt, while refusing to surrender hope.
“We were not lucky today. We had a good match in the first half. We got the red card and directly came the goal. In the second half, we played well with one player less and then they scored the goal. We have the quality to come back, and this is our goal; now we have to think positive,” Flick said.
Tonight’s Mission Impossible for Barcelona
Barcelona arrive at the Metropolitano facing a two-goal deficit and significant defensive absences, with Pau Cubarsi suspended, while Jules Kounde, Raphinha, and Andreas Christensen are all ruled out through injury — leaving the squad vulnerable at the back at the most critical moment of their European campaign.
Atletico can afford to lose tonight by one goal and still advance, while a two-goal defeat would send the tie into extra time. Barcelona need to win by three goals or more to go through directly — or by two to force extra time.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone struck a respectful but resolute note in the build-up.
“We know the opponent we are going to face, and we are aware of how strong they are, but we are also aware of what our objective is — to advance,” (Al Jazeera) he said.
Flick, for his part, refused to concede defeat before a ball was kicked.
“We have the quality. We have the players who can change this. But, of course, we have to fight. We have to focus on the magic,” the German coach said.
Atletico have reached the Champions League final twice before — in 2014 and 2016 — losing both times to city rivals Real Madrid, and have never won the competition. A semi-final berth tonight would equal their best-ever run in the competition under Diego Simeone.
Kick-off: 9pm CET (8pm WAT), Estadio Metropolitano, Madrid.
