Nigerian forward scores first home goal and sets up another as Atletico smash Copa holders for four
Ademola Lookman’s face said it all. Wide smile. Glowing cheeks. The look of a man who still can’t quite believe how his Madrid fairytale is unfolding.
The Nigerian winger was at the heart of Atletico’s stunning 4-0 dismantling of Barcelona on Thursday night, scoring once, setting up another, and leaving the Copa del Rey holders dazed and bewildered on the Metropolitano turf.
It was the kind of performance that makes winter signings feel like summer romances.
“I’m very, very happy,” Lookman beamed to Sporty TV after the final whistle. “Of course, scoring is good, but I think the team played really well tonight. In the box we were very professional, and today we showed a great level of teamwork.”
The numbers tell their own story. This was only the third time in history Atletico have beaten Barcelona by four goals — and the first time in 37 years. Not since 1989 has a Madrid side put this kind of hurt on the Catalans. Lookman’s first home goal for his new club arrived on a night when history was rewritten.
“We got that energy from our fans tonight,” he added. “They were amazing. So we are glad.”
The 27-year-old joined Atletico from Atalanta in January, a winter window move that raised eyebrows in some quarters. Three games later, he has two goals and two assists. The eyebrows have been repositioned firmly skyward.
As an attacker, he explained, scoring is simply the assignment.
“You always want to score, always looking to get into dangerous positions. So I just try to be in the right place at the right time.”
For all the euphoria, Lookman was careful not to let the moment run away with him. Four-goal leads have been surrendered before. Camp Nou awaits on March 3, and Barcelona, wounded and angry, will throw everything at the return leg.
“Of course, it’s a big victory,” he said. “But we have a few more games coming up before we play away, so we need to stay with the same mindset and focus on those matches. We are excited about the days to come.”
Excited, yes. Complacent, no.
For now, though, a night like this deserves to be savoured. Atletico have waited 37 years to batter Barca like this. Lookman has waited three games to feel this loved.
The smile said it all.
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