What Lookman said about Tottenham, Barcelona after Atletico reach UCL QF

Ademola Lookman has shared his thoughts about Atletico Madrid’s aggregate victory over Tottenham, their next opponents Barcelona and his return to London, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles forward admitted it was far from an easy night as Atlético de Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, despite losing 3-2 to Tottenham Hotspur in London.

Diego Simeone’s side had done the hard work in the first leg, but they were pushed all the way in north London. Tottenham took the lead through Randal Kolo Muani, before Julián Álvarez equalised with a fine finish after being set up by Lookman.

The Nigerian’s growing influence was clear again, as he registered another key contribution since his winter move.

Speaking after the match, Lookman highlighted just how difficult the contest was, especially against strong opposition in Europe’s biggest club competition.

“I was very happy to be into the next round. Every game is hard – everyone knows this competition and the quality of the teams – so we are happy to have played today,” Lookman told UEFA TV.

At one point, Atletico were under real pressure after falling behind, but Lookman pointed to the team’s mentality as the key reason they stayed in the tie.

“They scored a goal and it is easy to collapse but with the mentality that we have is to stay calm, to stay in the game and to get opportunities and we did,” Lookman added.

He also reflected on the emotional side of the night, returning to the city where he was born.

“Of course, it’s nice to be back in London. I call it home so it’s nice to be back here. We are through to the next round, that’s the most important.”

The result confirmed Atletico’s progress, helped largely by their dominant first-leg performance, where they scored five goals to take control of the tie.

Lookman turns focus to Barcelona showdown

With the Tottenham test now behind them, attention quickly shifts to a huge quarter-final clash against Barcelona, one of Atletico’s biggest rivals in Spain.

Lookman is fully aware of the size of the challenge ahead but remains calm and focused on preparation.

“It’s a special game against another tough opponent. We need to be ready for that and prepare in the right way. The next game is at the weekend, and we take every match as it comes, game by game,” Lookman concluded.

The winner of the tie will go on to face either Arsenal FC or Sporting CP in the semi-finals.

Since arriving Madrid in January, Lookman has already faced Barcelona twice in the Copa del Rey.

The Nigeria international played a major role as Atletico secured a 4-3 aggregate victory over the Catalans to reach the final of the competition. Lookman will hope Atletico can repeat that trick as the Madrid-based club target a semifinal slot in Europe’s premier club competition.