Ademola Lookman Reacts After Atletico Madrid's Champions League Quarter-Final Triumph
Ademola Lookman has expressed his delight following Atletico Madrid's advancement to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after a hard-fought victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The Spanish club secured their place in the last eight despite a narrow defeat in the second leg, showcasing resilience and tactical prowess under manager Diego Simeone.
Atletico Madrid Overcomes Tottenham in Thrilling Encounter
Atletico Madrid progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 7-5 aggregate win over Tottenham Hotspur, despite losing the second leg 3-2 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The Spanish side had established a commanding lead with a 5-2 victory in the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, which proved crucial in weathering Tottenham's late fightback.
In the second leg, Spurs demonstrated determination, but Atletico responded each time, with Xavi Simons scoring a late winner in the 90th minute. However, this effort was insufficient for Tottenham to overturn the aggregate deficit, allowing Atletico to advance.
Lookman's Reflections on the Victory
Speaking to UEFA TV after the match, Lookman admitted the game was challenging but expressed satisfaction with reaching the next round. "I was very happy to be in the next round. Every game is hard – everyone knows this competition and the quality of the teams – so we are happy to have played today," he said.
He emphasized the team's mental strength, noting, "They scored a goal and it is easy to collapse but with the mentality that we have is to stay calm, to stay in the game and to get opportunities and we did." Lookman, who was born and raised in London, added that while it was nice to return home, the primary focus was on the team's success. "Of course, it’s nice to be back in London. I call it home, so it’s nice to be back here. We are through to the next round, that’s the most important," he concluded.
Quarter-Final Showdown Against Barcelona
Atletico Madrid will now face Spanish La Liga rivals FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals, a matchup that promises to be intense. Lookman acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming challenge, especially after recent encounters in the Copa del Rey semi-final. "It’s a special game against another tough opponent. We need to be ready for that and prepare in the right way. The next game is at the weekend, and we take every match as it comes, game by game," he stated.
Manager Diego Simeone also shared his thoughts ahead of the clash with Barcelona, praising them as a formidable opponent. "Barcelona is better than us, but it will push us to compete, hopefully, in the best way possible. We're trying to compete with Barcelona, who are the team we're drawn against. I have no doubt that they are the best attacking team in Europe," Simeone remarked, as quoted by AS.
Lookman's Rising Profile in La Liga
In related news, Ademola Lookman has been recognized as one of the most valuable African players in the Spanish La Liga. The Super Eagles forward joined Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window from Italian Serie A side Atalanta, and his performances have quickly made an impact, contributing to the team's success in both domestic and European competitions.
This achievement highlights Lookman's growing influence in European football, as he continues to excel on the international stage with Nigeria and now with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
