Ademola Lookman was beaming. And why wouldn’t he be? The Super Eagles star ran riot as Atletico Madrid dismantled Barcelona 4-0 in the Copa del Rey semi final first leg, chipping in with a goal and an assist to send the Metropolitano into absolute delirium.
It was another statement showing from the Nigerian, who’s now scored and set one up in back to back cup ties following his quarter final masterclass against Real Betis. But Lookman, typically, wasn’t interested in taking individual plaudits.
“I am very, very happy, of course nice to score but the performance of the team was top, in both boxes we were clinical,” he told betandsured.
Clinical is one word. Ruthless is another. Atletico tore the La Liga leaders apart in that first half blitz, with Lookman at the heart of everything good. Four goals before the break. Barca shellshocked. Simeone grinning like a man who’d just found a tenner in an old jacket.
“It was a great performance and a huge victory. We showed togetherness, this was impeccable. We got our energy from our fans, they were amazing.”
The noise inside the Metropolitano was deafening. Atletico’s support have waited years for nights like this a proper, old school European giant slain on their own turf. Lookman, still settling in since his summer move, is already thriving in the cauldron.
“The stakes were very high. We knew what we had to do and we did.”
Settled and starring
Some signings take time. Others just fit. Lookman’s adaptation has been seamless, and he puts it down to the welcome he’s received.
“I have settled in quickly because of the warm welcome from my teammates and the fans,” he said. “I’m playing alongside top, top players with amazing abilities and talent.”
You can see it. The understanding with Antoine Griezmann, the clever rotations with Rodrigo De Paul, the trust Simeone places in him to deliver in the biggest moments. This is a player at ease with himself and his surroundings.
Camp Nou looming
Barcelona, stung and humiliated, have promised revenge in the second leg. Hansi Flick spoke of a “lesson”. Pau Cubarsi’s disallowed goal still rankles. The narrative is already being spun: VAR robbed them, the tie isn’t over, Camp Nou will be different.
Lookman isn’t buying any of it.
“We hope to keep the same mindset and focus going into the reverse tie,” he said, calm and measured.
That mindset? Simple. Atletico have a four goal cushion and a defence Simeone has spent two decades perfecting. Barca need a miracle. Atletico just need to be themselves.
Fourteen years since they last won this competition. Diego Simeone has never lifted the Copa del Rey as a manager. This team, with Lookman flying and the fans roaring, look absolutely determined to change that.
One foot in the final. Maybe both.
