Ademola Lookman relishing Champions League chance: “Atleti is one of the biggest clubs in the world”

Ademola Lookman has made a fast start to life with Atlético Madrid and he’s looking to make a big impact as Diego Simeone’s side prepare for a Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.

Atleti return to the final four of European soccer’s elite club competition after knocking out Barcelona in the quarter-finals. Lookman scored a crucial goal in the second leg against Barcelona, continuing his impressive record in this year’s competition.

Speaking on Monday, Lookman was asked about his impressions of a busy first few months in the Spanish capital. He said: “Atleti is one of the biggest clubs in the world, with top players who play at a very, very high level.”

“The team is amazing, the team is amazing, so it’s a blessing to be here to help the team,” Lookman continued. “The work that’s happened over the last month together has been amazing. It’s been great.”

For his part, Lookman was contributed seven goals and four assists since signing for Atleti in the January transfer window. The Nigerian international may not be an automatic starter for Simeone but he certainly has experience of performing in big European games.

In 2024 Lookman scored a famous hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final, firing the team to a first European trophy. In doing so he became the first player since Pierino Prati in 1969 to score a hat-trick in a one-legged European final. Now, he will be hoping to have a similar impact in the latter stages of the Champions league with Atlético.

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