Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman said he was “very, very happy” after scoring and setting up another goal in Atlético Madrid’s commanding 4-0 win over FC Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.
“Of course, scoring is good, but I think the team played really well tonight,” Lookman told Sporty TV after a first-half performance that left the holders reeling.
Atlético were ahead inside seven minutes when Eric Garcia inadvertently rolled a back pass beyond his own goalkeeper and into the net.
Lookman celebrating his goal against Barcelona. Photo Credit: Imago
The home side doubled their advantage in the 14th minute as Nahuel Molina released Antoine Griezmann, who finished clinically.
They added a third in the 33rd minute when Julián Álvarez slid a low cross into the area and Lookman arrived to steer a first-time finish beyond the goalkeeper.
Moments before half-time, the Nigeria international turned provider, surging forward before squaring for Álvarez to score Atlético’s fourth and cap a devastating opening 45 minutes.
“In the box we were very professional, and today we showed a great level of teamwork,” Lookman said.
“We got that energy from our fans tonight, they were amazing, so we are glad.”
Photo Credit: Imago
Barcelona thought they had reduced the deficit early in the second half, but the effort was ruled out following a VAR review. Diego Simeone withdrew Lookman, Griezmann and Álvarez shortly after the hour mark, with Atlético remaining compact and in control.
Eric Garcia’s red card late on compounded a difficult evening for the visitors.
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The result was historic. It marked only the third time Atlético have beaten Barcelona by four goals, and the first such victory by that margin in 37 years, since 1989.
“You always want to score as an attacker, always looking to get into dangerous positions, so I just try to be in the right place at the right time,” Lookman added.
Photo Credit: Imago
Despite the size of the win, he warned that the tie is not yet decided.
“Of course, it’s a big victory. 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,” he said.
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Atlético now take a commanding advantage into the return leg, while Barcelona face a formidable task to keep their cup defence alive.
