UCL: Lookman set for Atletico return against Barca News

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UCL: Lookman set for Atletico return against Barca

By Daily Sports Nigeria on April 8, 2026

After sitting out of their last meeting on Saturday, Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman is expected to return to action on Wednesday as Atletico Madrid take on Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

After last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat, Atletico Madrid will now turn their focus to European competition, with the Champions League offering a crucial pathway to another silverware this season.

Lookman has been an important figure for Atletico since his arrival, contributing key goals and assists across competitions. The 28-year-old has scored once and provided two assists in four Champions League appearances this season. Across all competitions, he has registered five goals and four assists in 14 games for Diego Simeone’s side.

The forward is expected to boost Atletico’s attacking options as they prepare for a tough test against a Barcelona side in strong domestic form. Playing the first leg at home will also be seen as an advantage for the Madrid club.

Atlético Madrid’s season now hinges on cup success, with their place in the Copa del Rey final already secured following a two-legged victory over FC Barcelona. Lookman was instrumental in that run, scoring one goal and providing an assist in their 4–0 first-leg win.

It will also be his third meeting with Barcelona since joining Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Lookman acknowledged Barcelona’s quality but expressed confidence in Atletico’s ability to compete.

“Barcelona are a massive club with a lot of quality in the squad,” he said. “We’ve had experiences against them this season, and there are lessons to take from those games. We’re still learning and improving.”

On Atletico’s ambitions across competitions, he added, “Atletico is a massive club on all fronts. The squad is full of quality players. We want to compete and we will compete in every competition we are in. The mentality here is to win as much as we can.”

Historically, Atletico have enjoyed success against Barcelona at this stage of the competition, eliminating them in the quarter-finals of the 2013/14 and 2015/16 seasons, going on to reach the final on both occasions, where they were beaten by Real Madrid.

Source Punch Ng

Posted April 8, 2026