Ademola Lookman could again prove decisive when Atletico Madrid host Club Brugge in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off, with the visitors set to be without suspended midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
The tie is evenly poised after a 3-3 first-leg draw in Belgium, a match in which both Nigerian internationals left their mark.
Lookman scored Atletico’s second goal, while Onyedika produced a goal and a late assist before a booking ruled him out of the return meeting.
Manager Diego Simeone will be mindful of Atletico’s recent history against Brugge, with the Spanish side failing to win any of their last four Champions League meetings with the Belgian champions.
That record adds an extra layer of uncertainty to a contest Atletico approach with mixed recent form, having won only two of their last five matches in all competitions, alongside one draw and two defeats.
Lookman celebrating with his teammates. Photo Credit: Imago
Atletico’s path to this stage has reflected that uneven spell. They collected 13 points from eight matches during the league phase, finishing outside the automatic qualification spots and dropping into the play-off round.
Four wins, one draw and three losses illustrated their attacking quality but also highlighted lapses in consistency that ultimately prevented a smoother progression.
Nevertheless, their performances at the Metropolitano Stadium have remained a positive indicator. Atletico have won three of four European home fixtures this season.
Onyedika celebrating his goal against Atletico Madrid. Photo Credit: Imago
Club Brugge travel to Madrid still firmly in contention after their spirited first-leg showing. The Belgian side ended the league phase 19th with 10 points from eight matches, registering three wins, one draw and four defeats.
Their campaign has been characterised by entertainment and vulnerability in equal measure, with 15 goals scored but 17 conceded.
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Their Away form in Europe has also posed difficulties, with Brugge winning only one of four matches on the road while losing the other three, a statistic they must overturn to progress.
Photo Credit: Imago
Lookman arrives in encouraging form after scoring in Atletico’s weekend victory over RCD Espanyol, his first league goal since joining the Madrid club.
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The winger has now produced six goal involvements in his opening six appearances, reinforcing his growing importance within Simeone’s attacking options.
