Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman will feature in the semifinals of the 2025–2026 UEFA Champions League after helping Atlético Madrid book a place in the last four.
Atlético progressed ahead of FC Barcelona with a 3-2 aggregate win, despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg. Their 2-0 first-leg victory at the Camp Nou proved decisive in the tie.
Lookman scored what turned out to be the crucial goal in the 31st minute, and speaking to TNT Sports after the game, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s qualification following a tough contest against Hansi Flick’s side.
“Game of two halves, really. We stuck in and dug in and went through to the semis.”
Ademola Lookman of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“As the game is going on, you’re playing and moments happen in the game. The pause lets you switch back into gear and we were able to create a few chances.”
Ademola Lookman of Atletico de Madrid scores his team’s first goal past Joan Garcia of FC Barcelona while under pressure from Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“We got the goal and we were able to continue in that way in the second half” Lookman said.