Ademola Lookman will aim to end his goal drought against Arsenal when Atlético Madrid travel to London for the decisive second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The tie remains finely balanced at 1-1 following the first leg in Madrid, with both sides seeking a place in the final scheduled for May 30 in Budapest, where either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain await.
Lookman, who delivered an impressive display in the first leg, remains central to Atlético’s attacking plans despite failing to score or assist in six previous meetings against Arsenal.
The Nigerian completed 95 per cent of his passes in the opposition half, registered four shots with two on target, and contributed defensively in a performance that earned widespread praise.
Simeone highlighted the forward’s all-round contribution in the first leg, particularly his defensive effort, noting that the player is increasingly adapting to the team’s tactical demands.
“I loved Lookman’s game; we’re getting an important player to understand that his defensive work helps us,” Simeone said.
The Atlético coach also acknowledged the quality of the opposition, stressing that Arsenal’s depth and consistency make them formidable contenders.
“You saw the five of their players who came on… they’re very good and have more than enough talent to compete,” he added.
“They’ve won 10 Champions League matches, drawn three, and haven’t lost. We’re playing against a fantastic team.”
Lookman’s former teammate at Atalanta, Michel Adopo, has backed the Nigerian to make the difference in the return leg, expressing belief in his ability to rise to the occasion. Reflecting on their time together, Adopo suggested that Lookman is now fully embracing his role at a top club and is capable of delivering in decisive moments.
“After the triumph, I remember that Ademola himself didn’t understand the importance of his performance. Atletico is an amazing opportunity for Ademola,” he said.
“Finally, he is at a giant club. I actually believe he will score against Arsenal.”
Atlético head into the contest on the back of a confidence-boosting win over Valencia, although there was a sense of frustration after the first leg, where they were widely considered to have created enough chances to take a lead into the return fixture.
The Spanish side started strongly before a defensive lapse led to a penalty converted by Viktor Gyökeres, while a second-half spot-kick from Julián Alvarez restored parity after a Ben White handball.
Despite creating further opportunities, including missed chances by Lookman, Atlético were unable to capitalise.
Manager Diego Simeone rotated his squad heavily in the league win over Valencia, resting key players ahead of the trip to the Emirates Stadium, with several first-leg starters expected to return.
Despite the challenge, Atlético will draw confidence from past encounters, including their progression against Arsenal in the 2017/18 Europa League semi-final, as well as historical precedent in similar scenarios where they have advanced after drawing the first leg.
With a place in the final at stake and Atlético seeking their first appearance in a decade, attention will be firmly on Lookman as he looks to break his scoring drought and help his side overcome one of Europe’s most consistent teams.
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