Lookman braces for Barca Champions League test News

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Lookman braces for Barca Champions League test

By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 20, 2026

Atletico Madrid forward Ademola Lookman is eager to go again after reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League with the Spanish club, even as a tough battle against La Liga champions Barcelona awaits them in the last eight, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Diego Simeone’s side booked their place in the quarter-finals despite suffering a 3-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night. Their progress was made possible by a strong first-leg performance — a 5-2 win — which saw them advance 7-5 on aggregate.

Lookman was not involved in any of the five goals in the first leg, but he set up Julián Álvarez for their first goal against their hosts on Wednesday. The assist was the Nigerian international’s eighth goal contribution (four goals, four assists) since his winter transfer from Atalanta.

Atletico will now face Barcelona in the quarter-finals in a repeat of the recent Copa del Rey semi-final between the two sides, where Atletico advanced to the final.

Barcelona will need no reminding that they lost the first leg 4-0 in the Spanish capital before winning the return leg 3-0 at Camp Nou.

Lookman acknowledged the difficulty of securing a place in the last eight, highlighting the high calibre of competition in the Champions League.

“I was very happy to be in the next round. Every game is hard, and everyone knows this competition and the quality of the teams, so we are happy to have played today,” he told UEFA TV.

“It’s a special game against another tough opponent,” Lookman added.

In the Champions League this season, Lookman has recorded two assists and one goal in three games for Atletico, matching the tally he had in seven appearances for Atalanta.

Barely three months into his stay in Spain, he also boasts a strong record against Barcelona, with one goal and one assist in their previous two meetings.

The 28-year-old has four goals and four assists in 13 games for Atletico since joining from Atalanta.

Source Punch Ng

Posted March 20, 2026