Ex-Atalanta star tips Ademola Lookman to break Martins’ UCL record vs. Arsenal

Former Atalanta midfielder Michel Adopo has tipped Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman to find the net for Atletico Madrid when they face Arsenal on Wednesday, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Lookman is expected to be in the starting lineup as his Atleti side locks horns with Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal clash.

​The 28-year-old forward had to shake off a knock suffered against Real Sociedad two weeks ago to return just in time for the high-stakes fixture.

Since his move from Atalanta in January, Lookman has been one of Atleti’s most productive attackers, providing an impressive return of seven goals and four assists in 18 appearances. Consequently, coach Diego Simeone will be banking on him to deliver the goals.

​Arsenal present a formidable challenge for Los Rojiblancos. When the two sides met earlier in the competition at the Emirates Stadium, the Londoners claimed a dominant 4-0 victory.

However, heading into this clash at the Estadio Metropolitano, the Atletico Madrid faithful will be hoping for a much-improved performance and a more favorable scoreline.

​Ahead of the game, Adopo—who played alongside Lookman and witnessed the havoc he wreaked during the 2023/24 season—believes the Super Eagles star can repeat those heroics against the Gunners.

​”Atletico is an amazing opportunity for Ademola. Finally, he is at a giant club,” Adopo said.

“I actually believe he will score against Arsenal in Madrid.”

Ademola Lookman on The Cusp of Breaking Obafemi Martins’ Goals Record

Ademola Lookman is cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s most lethal marksmen. He currently ranks third among Nigeria’s all-time leading scorers in the UEFA Champions League.

​The 28-year-old has eight goals to his name in the competition and is now just one strike away from equaling Obafemi Martins’ record of nine goals.

​If Lookman scores for Atletico Madrid against Arsenal, he will move level with Martins. A second goal would see him surpass the former Inter Milan striker to claim the third spot outright.

​Galatasaray superstar Victor Osimhen remains the clear leader for Nigeria in the competition with 18 goals, seven of which have come in the current campaign.

​For Lookman, the Arsenal game promises to be his toughest test this season. Nonetheless, with the Gunners appearing less invincible than they did at the start of the term, Lookman and his teammates will certainly fancy their chances of an upset.