Ademola Lookman has shed light on the mentality that powered Atlético Madrid to a dramatic comeback despite going two goals down against FC Barcelona in their UEFA Champions League clash.
Atlético Madrid booked their place in the semifinals for the first time since the 2016–17 season after edging Barcelona 3–2 on aggregate, with Lookman emerging as the hero of the night at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
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The Spanish side were stunned early on as Barcelona raced into a two-goal lead, putting Diego Simeone’s men under intense pressure.
However, Lookman’s vital strike before halftime proved to be the turning point, swinging momentum back in Atlético’s favour.
Speaking after the game, Lookman expressed his delight at the team’s achievement and collective effort:
“I’m very, very happy, of course, to play in this competition and to be here. It shows the credit to the staff, team, everybody in terms of the work and dedication, and the quality as well in this squad.
It wasn’t easy today but everybody dug in and everyone showed their hard work.”
The Nigerian forward admitted that going two goals down was a major challenge but highlighted the importance of key moments in reigniting belief:
“Definitely going 2–0 down is not easy. They had the momentum at that time, and Juan comes up with a massive save against Fermín. Key moments like that give everybody belief to keep going — you will get your moments.”
He also revealed the crucial halftime message that inspired Atlético’s comeback:
“To stay positive. Stay positive in the work in terms of what we believe in, knowing again we’ll get the moments for sure and we did.
In the end, we got the result that we wanted and that’s the most important thing.”
Lookman’s performance and words perfectly captured Atlético Madrid’s trademark resilience, as they once again proved their ability to rise under pressure on Europe’s biggest stage.
