Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has praised Atlético Madrid following their impressive 2-0 victory against FC Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash.
Goals from Julián Álvarez, who curled in a fine free-kick, and Alexander Sørloth, who added a second with 20 minutes remaining, handed the visitors a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg.
Under the guidance of Diego Simeone, Atletico delivered a composed and resilient performance at the Camp Nou.
The Spanish side, still chasing their first Champions League title, previously fell short in the 2014 and 2016 finals, losing both times to city rivals Real Madrid.
Speaking after the match in an interview with TNT Sports, Lookman commended the team’s effort and unity, particularly their defensive discipline on the night.
“It was a good result, the performance of the team, especially not to concede here.
“It shows the work everyone’s been doing and the togetherness.
“If you say so. You know especially scoring after they had a man sent off, that was key as well.
“Brilliant free-kick from Julián (Alvarez) and also the timing of Alex’s (Alexander Sørloth) goal in the second half was also good.
“They are a top team of course, in situations they put you in.
“Difficult moments but we dug in together. It’s going to be a massive challenge, massive game. we know that. Calm heads, for sure.
” We’ll take each game as it comes.
“It has been nice, it has been great actually, long may it continue.”
Atletico’s latest triumph comes shortly after they eliminated Barcelona from the Copa del Rey semi-finals in March, marking another chapter in what has become a tightly contested run of fixtures between both sides within a short period.
Maubcptuyz
0
There is a big difference between home and away, if the return leg was at Camp New then a big come is possible, but away from home is a different ball game. when was the last time you beat Atletico 3-0 away from home?
It’s going to be a big game,I don’t think home advantage matters,such games if it’s in England 🏴 they normally get a coach fired,Diego someone should not defend,he mustn’t wait for them!
Maubcptuyz
0
No more home ground advantage with modern football
I was saying that to him worse it’s same country team,his talking about the vibe of the stadium etc
JoshDelly123
1
They benefitted from a red favor. The red to Cubarsi helped them to come back in the game. No discipline. If Barca gets the penalty for the Pubil deliberate handball and Pubil receive red and Barca score. We would not hear about a disciplined display. Ref favor. Point blank.
you are just too foolish Barcelona is either you get a penalty or you sent your opponent off to win a match stupid fellow always rub teams are you not tired ffs
Yacabekln
1
It will be harder second leg,you almost bottled it up for Copa del Ray,focus more better for the second leg,well done anyway 🤗
Barcelona always struggle in away matches, they struggle to win away in the UCL, tell me the last time Barca won a proper team in the UCL away from home?
QueriisFiasi
0
They benefitted from a red favor. The red to Cubarsi helped them to come back in the game. No discipline. If Barca gets the penalty for the Pubil deliberate handball and Pubil receive red and Barca score. We would not hear about a disciplined display. Ref favor. Point blank.
Yacabekln
1
It will be harder second leg,you almost bottled it up for Copa del Ray,focus more better for the second leg,well done anyway 🤗
There is a big difference between home and away, if the return leg was at Camp New then a big come is possible, but away from home is a different ball game. when was the last time you beat Atletico 3-0 away from home?
duybilmry
1
Atletico: Liga is yours. Cup is mine.
yodcdeios
0
It will be harder second leg,you almost bottled it up for Copa del Ray,focus more better for the second leg,well done anyway 🤗
No more home ground advantage with modern football
yodcdeios
2
Pubill hand ball , Koke committing foul after foul while on yellow count your stars but remember this isn't over yet you have your hands full at the Mepolitano in a week's time
Maubcptuyz
0
yes it does, less fans and pitches and locker rooms are different, hostile atmosphere etc
Same country though,yeah but I get you 😂😂
/MADRIDISTA
1
my guy, you have bigger problems, better change the badge
Look at this clown😂. If anyone needs to change their badge then it’s bottlelona
sayabdkmn
0
It will be harder second leg,you almost bottled it up for Copa del Ray,focus more better for the second leg,well done anyway 🤗
but I totally understand what you are saying
sayabdkmn
1
😂😂😂,I don’t think they is home o away difference,especially teams from the same country
yes it does, less fans and pitches and locker rooms are different, hostile atmosphere etc
Maubcptuyz
0
so with that being said yes it will be difficult but I believe as long as we play how we are supposed to we will advance
Barcelona hasn’t been that good for the champions league for the past years,you got a very good advantage over them
Maubcptuyz
0
I agree but also remember the second leg of the copa del Rey was played away from home in the camp nou
😂😂😂,I don’t think they is home o away difference,especially teams from the same country
sayabdkmn
0
It’s was harder for the second leg for the Copa de ray,you won 4:0 then lose 3:0,that was so close,just be careful with your boys,don’t make too many mistakes
so with that being said yes it will be difficult but I believe as long as we play how we are supposed to we will advance
sayabdkmn
0
It will be harder second leg,you almost bottled it up for Copa del Ray,focus more better for the second leg,well done anyway 🤗
I agree but also remember the second leg of the copa del Rey was played away from home in the camp nou
RonaldDinho_10
1
Keep quiet useless club
man, your avatar is the spain jersey, Spain's history and the future is carried by Barcelona players
Maubcptuyz
0
as long as Simone comes to attack and not sit back and defend for 90 minutes, we'll be okay
He must attack not defend,you have a good squad to win again!
Maubcptuyz
0
no it won't
It’s was harder for the second leg for the Copa de ray,you won 4:0 then lose 3:0,that was so close,just be careful with your boys,don’t make too many mistakes
sayabdkmn
0
It will be harder second leg,you almost bottled it up for Copa del Ray,focus more better for the second leg,well done anyway 🤗
as long as Simone comes to attack and not sit back and defend for 90 minutes, we'll be okay
sayabdkmn
1
It will be harder second leg,you almost bottled it up for Copa del Ray,focus more better for the second leg,well done anyway 🤗
no it won't
/MADRIDISTA
0
my guy, you have bigger problems, better change the badge
Keep quiet useless club
Ifynwaoma
2
Which discipline playing. If the ref was fair enough, Koke should been sent off
RonaldDinho_10
1
Lookman is my guy
my guy, you have bigger problems, better change the badge
Yaodiklmnt
4
this season I will like athletic Madrid to will this season UEFA champions league because the have been in the final 2 times. I hope the win it this season
Widbiltz
4
Lookman is my guy
Deoeklosu
2
Good
Maubcptuyz
3
It will be harder second leg,you almost bottled it up for Copa del Ray,focus more better for the second leg,well done anyway 🤗