"I love it" - Atletico Madrid boss plays up Lookman partnership with ex-Man City forward

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has played up the partnership between Ademola Lookman and ex-Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez, Afrik Foot reports.

Alvarez had a spectacular debut season with Los Rojiblancos after his big money move from Manchester City, scoring 29 goals and providing seven assists in 54 games across all competitions.

The former River Plate striker has struggled to replicate the same form this season, scoring just seven league goals in 23 league games.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone. Photo by IMAGO

Diego Simeone: Atletico boss lauds Lookman-Alvarez parnership

Alvarez was on a run of 12 consecutive games without a goal. Prior to last night, his last goal for Los Colchoneros came in their 3-2 win over PSV Eindhoven back in November.

He played Lookman in for Atletico’s third goal last night, before the Super Eagles star returned the favour, and Alvarez was relieved the bad spell was over, at least momentarily.

Alvarez had not scored or assisted in 10 games. He’s lost his confidence, the Atleti fans were skinning him, he was a shadow of himself.

But Wait!
Story isn’t over

God sent a man to rescue him, his name is ADEMOLA LOOKMAN🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬pic.twitter.com/W6mQFxqiB9 https://t.co/aHdAFHgyyd

— TobyWrites (@tobyasky) February 12, 2026

The chemistry between the pair, alongside the composure in such a high-tempo game pleased Simeone.

“I loved Julián’s pass to Lookman. That coolness in the moment. That speaks to humility, hierarchy, visualisation and life gives back to you,” the Argentine said in quotes revealed by Into the Calderon.

“Julián has the goal and thank God he’s back and I’m sure he’ll clean it up for everything that’s coming.

Julian Alvarez celebrating his goal with Ademola Lookman. Photo by IMAGO

“We knew (Barcelona) wouldn’t give up. They have the quality to take on anything that comes their way.

“That’s how the second half started. We had situations to resolve better in the second half. It wasn’t as similar to the first. The lads played an extraordinary game.

The 55-year-old was also pleased with Antoine Griezmann‘s display, lauding the experience put on display by the Frenchman.

“Antoine is a historic player, a legend at Atlético de Madrid. No one will take away that wonderful place he has.

Antoine Griezmann in action for Atletico Madrid. Photo by IMAGO

“He’s giving everything he has to contribute. Hopefully, as coach, I can give him back the enthusiasm he conveys. He was outstanding today.

“I have faith in the team, in what we do, in our people. I’m not a wizard who can predict what’s going to happen.

“I felt that the team could play a match like they did. The players’ effort to go after their opponents.

“That’s why we tried to shake things up. The pressure was lower in the second half. The first half was what we wanted,” the former Inter Milan midfielder concluded.