Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has praised Atlético Madrid after their 2-0 triumph over FC Barcelona in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final.
Julián Álvarez opened the scoring with a precise free-kick, followed by Alexander Sørloth’s goal 20 minutes from time, giving Atlético a valuable lead ahead of the return leg.
Under Diego Simeone’s guidance, Atletico produced a composed and resilient performance at the Camp Nou.
The Spanish club, still pursuing their first Champions League title, had previously fallen short in the 2014 and 2016 finals against city rivals Real Madrid.
In an interview with TNT Sports after the match, Lookman praised the team’s unity and defensive discipline.
“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.”
This victory follows Atlético’s elimination of Barcelona from the Copa del Rey semi-finals in March, adding another chapter to a recent string of competitive encounters between the two sides.
