Barcelona boss reacts after loss inspired by first Super Eagles star in Atletico history

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has assessed the club’s defeat in the first leg of the Cup semi-final against a Ademola Lookman-inspired Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano on Thursday night, Afrik-Foot reports.

The defending champions were left stunned after a ruthless, Lookman-led Atlético side cruised to a historic 4-0 win in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.

It was only Lookman’s third match for Atlético Madrid, but he played like a man who had been in Diego Simeone’s system for years, scoring once and setting up another to rip through Barcelona’s defence.

BIG WIN IN THE FIRST LEG!! pic.twitter.com/uVugkAPx9p

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 12, 2026

Speaking after the heavy defeat, Hansi Flick did not hide his frustration with how his team started the game.

“We didn’t play well in the first half, we didn’t play as a team,” Flick said as per Marca.

“The gap between us was huge. We didn’t press. And we learned a big lesson in the first 45 minutes. The end was better. We have two more halves and we’ll fight. If we win 2-0 in each half… we’ll need our fans at home.”

Despite the painful scoreline, the German coach remained hopeful about turning things around in the second leg.

“I’m not disappointed with the team. I’m happy with the team’s season. We’ve had a lot of injuries. Losing is also part of the game.

“It was a painful defeat, but I’m proud of the team. We have to learn from this. They were hungrier to score. And that’s what I want. We didn’t do it in the first 45 minutes. But the team is young, and I’m not making excuses.”

Ademola Lookman outshines Yamal as Atlético Madrid demolish Barcelona in Copa Del Rey#AdemolaLookman #CopaDelRey https://t.co/4jxTrnMp7a

— Afrik-Foot NG (@AfrikFootNG) February 13, 2026

Lookman lights up Madrid as Atlético run riot vs Barcelona

The night belonged to Atlético from the very beginning at the Metropolitano, as they overwhelmed Barcelona with pace, pressing and hunger.

The pressure paid off early when Eric García turned the ball past the keeper into his own net after just six minutes. Eight minutes later, Antoine Griezmann made it 2-0 with a sharp finish inside the box.

Then came Lookman’s moment. In the 33rd minute, the Super Eagles star timed his run perfectly, met a neat pass from Julián Álvarez, and expertly rolled the ball into the corner for Atlético’s third goal.

Just before half-time, Lookman turned creator, laying the ball back for Álvarez to fire home from outside the area and complete a devastating first half.

Barcelona tried to respond after the break and even thought they had scored, but VAR ruled the effort out for offside. Atlético stayed organised and never allowed the visitors a way back.

Lookman, already scoring on his debut against Real Betis, has now announced himself in Spain in spectacular style, becoming the first Super Eagles star to play for Atlético’s senior team and delivering one of the club’s most famous wins over Barcelona in decades.