Atletico 5-2 Tottenham: Lookman shines as Rojiblancos equal Barcelona’s 17-year record

Ademola Lookman produced an energetic display as Atletico Madrid powered to a commanding 5-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie at the Civitas Metropolitano, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigeria international did not register a goal or assist, but he played a key role in Atletico’s fast and furious start, helping to spark several early attacks that overwhelmed the Premier League side.

Diego Simeone’s team were ruthless in front of goal. Julian Alvarez scored twice, while Marcos Llorente, Antoine Griezmann and Robin Le Normand also found the net in a remarkable performance that left Spurs chasing shadows for long periods.

The result also saw Atletico match a 17-year Champions League knockout record previously set by Barcelona after scoring four goals in the first half of a Spanish side’s European tie.

Atletico storm ahead in breathtaking first half

The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance. After only six minutes, Lookman intercepted a poor pass from Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky and slipped the ball to Alvarez. The Argentine laid it off for Llorente, who calmly finished into the bottom corner.

Tottenham attempted to respond, with Mathys Tel forcing a sharp save from Jan Oblak, but Atletico quickly tightened their grip on the game.

Griezmann doubled the lead in the 14th minute with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box that curled beyond the helpless Kinsky. Moments later, the Frenchman turned provider as Tottenham’s shaky defence gifted Alvarez a simple finish to make it 3-0.

The early chaos prompted Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou to replace debutant Kinsky with Guglielmo Vicario after just 17 minutes, a difficult night for the young goalkeeper who conceded three goals from the first three shots on target.

Atletico continued their relentless pressure. In the 23rd minute, Le Normand reacted quickest to a rebound inside the six-yard box and headed in the fourth, sealing one of the most explosive opening halves in the club’s Champions League history.

Tottenham did find a way back into the contest when Pedro Porro fired home from inside the area in the 26th minute to reduce the deficit, while Cristian Romero later saw a header crash against the post.

Despite Spurs’ brief resistance, Atletico still led 4-1 at half-time.

Alvarez brilliance seals commanding advantage

The second half began with Atletico still in control, though Spurs continued to threaten on the counter.

Richarlison tested Oblak with a close-range header, while Griezmann nearly added another after a strong solo run.

But Atletico soon restored their authority. In the 55th minute, Alvarez produced a moment of individual brilliance, dribbling into the penalty area before drilling a low finish into the corner to complete his brace and make it 5-1.

Lookman almost added his name to the scoresheet shortly afterwards, striking from the edge of the box only to be denied by Vicario.

Tottenham refused to give up. Dominic Solanke missed a good chance in the 74th minute but soon made amends when he capitalised on a defensive mistake to pull one back for Spurs.

The visitors nearly grabbed another late goal when Micky van de Ven missed from close range, but Atletico held firm to secure a commanding three-goal advantage ahead of the return leg in London.