Ademola Lookman will face Arsenal in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League semi-finals after Atletico Madrid and the Premier League side secured their places in the last four, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Atlético booked their spot for the first time since the 2016/17 season after edging past Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate despite a 2-1 second-leg defeat on Tuesday.
Arsenal, meanwhile, confirmed their progression with a 1-0 aggregate victory over Sporting CP on Wednesday to set up the semi-final clash.
Lookman proved decisive in Atlético’s quarter-final, scoring in the 31st minute of the second leg after Barcelona had overturned a two-goal deficit through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. His goal restored Atlético’s aggregate advantage and ultimately secured their passage.
The Nigerian forward, who joined Atlético from Atalanta during the winter transfer window, has quickly become a key figure in the squad, contributing 10 goals across all competitions since his arrival.
Looking ahead to the semi-final, Lookman acknowledged the quality of Arsenal but insisted his side are prepared for the challenge that comes with facing elite opposition at this stage of the competition.
“Another strong team, another top team,” he said.
“When you’re in the semi-finals of the Champions League, whoever you get will be tough. It’s a big occasion and one we’re really looking forward to.”
His strike against Barcelona also saw him join an exclusive list of Nigerians to have scored in a Champions League quarter-final, alongside Obafemi Martins, Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen.
Atlético manager Diego Simeone reserved special praise for Lookman’s influence, highlighting his unique qualities and growing importance to the team.
“Since I’ve been in the club, we never had players like that with those features,” Simeone said.
“He’s still evolving. He’s improving a lot defensively, which makes him even more important. And, of course, he’s carrying more weight in the team.”
The Argentine also emphasised the forward’s attacking strengths and impact on Atlético’s style of play.
“He’s brilliant offensively. He’s very courageous. He’s very good on the one-on-one,” he added.
“And when we attack, we play it from the heart. The amount of running was unbelievable. His offensive importance, giving pace to the team when he was on the ball, was key.”
Despite the praise, Simeone believes there is still more to come from the Nigerian international.
“We need more from him. He has more in his tank. We’ve seen it in Nigeria,” he said.
With six goals already for Atlético and his influence continuing to grow, Lookman now heads into a high-stakes semi-final against Arsenal with the opportunity to further cement his place among the club’s key players as they pursue European glory.
punch.ng
FOLLOW US ON:
