Lookman’s Atletico Aiming for ‘Miracles’ at Camp Nou Tonight

Duro Ikhazuagbe 

Ademola Lookman and his Atletico Madrid teammates will play Barcelona for the fifth time this season this evening in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal fixture at Camp Nou.

The clash promises to be full of fireworks just like in the four previous meetings across La Liga and Copa del Rey this season. 

Both teams played two La Liga matches, with Barcelona winning both, and met in the Copa del Rey semifinals, where Atletico advanced on aggregate. Atletico won the first leg 4-0 with Lookman scoring and providing an assist. Though Barca won the reverse second leg fixture 3-0, the slim edge pushed Atlético through to the final.

However, the stakes are bigger  with Barcelona aiming to win this 

Champions League quarterfinal clash tonight. The Catalan giants know that they need good results tonight to keep their restless fans at ease before going to Wanda Metropolitano (Atletico fortress)  next week for the decider.

Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona have become strong attacking numbers as reflected in their domestic success in the league, leading the LaLiga with as much as seven points!

But for Lookman who is playing in his first Champions League quarterfinal, the fixture is one that he’s needs  to bring his pace and creativity to bear.

Lookman however yesterday displayed a subdued respect for Barcelona.

When asked ahead of the clash, Lookman, who joined Atlético from Atalanta in February, was full of respect when asked about Barcelona’s quality.

“About Barcelona’s quality? Of course, massive, massive club, massive team, a lot of quality inside the team,” he said as per In the Calderon.

“We won 4-0 at home (in the Copa del Rey) and the result of the away match was that, and we’re through to the final. There’s a lot to take away from both games, home and away. We’ve obviously learned from that and we’re still learning from that.”

Atlético may have struggled for consistency in the league, but their ability to knock Barcelona out of the Copa del Rey semi-finals shows they remain dangerous, especially in knockout football. 

Elsewhere this evening, the clash between cup holders PSG and Liverpool is another potential high wire clash with anything capable of happening.

RESULTS 

UCL

R’Madrid 1-2 B’Munich 

Sporting 0-1 Arsenal

TODAY

Barcelona v Atlético 

PSG v Liverpool 

Europa League 

Playoff

Braga v Betis