By Taiwo Ibrahim
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman produced a stunning performance to lead Atletico Madrid to a 4-0 win over Barcelona in the first leg of the 2025-26 semi-final clash on Thursday, Sportivationng.com reports.
He scored a goal, and recorded an assist the La Liga Champions to lead the hosts to a comfortable victory at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia scored an embarrassing own goal when he failed to control a pass from Eric Garcia in the seventh match as the ball rolls into the net.
Antoine Griezmann made it 2-0 when he finished off Nahuel Molina’s pass to finish past Garcia in the box in the 14th minute.
Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez hit the woodwork after a scramble in the box following a corner in the 20th minute.
Lookman scored the third goal in the 33rd minute following a stunning counter attacking move by Atletico Madrid, he produced a low, powerful shot past Joan Garcia to make it 3-0.
The Super Eagles forward turned provider for Alvarez on the stroke of halftime as the Argentine star made it 4-0 to end the first half in favour of the hosts.
Pau Cubarsi’s goal was ruled out for offside in the 52nd minute.
Lookman has now scored two goals, and recorded two assists for Atletico Madrid since joining the club from Atalanta in the January transfer window.
The second leg of the encounter is billed for the Camp Nou Stadium on March 3rd.
In the other semi-final of the competition, Real Sociedad defeated Athletic Bilbao 1-0 on Wednesday.
Lookman will be hoping to continue his impressive start to life in Spain when Atletico Madrid take on Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Barcelona will be back in La Liga action against Girona on Monday.
