Ademola Lookman provides a key assist as Atlético Madrid beat Club Brugge 4-1, progressing 7-4 on aggregate to the UEFA Champions League last 16
Ademola Lookman provided a crucial assist as Atlético Madrid defeated Raphael Onyedika’s Club Brugge 4-1 in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off, progressing 7-4 on aggregate.
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Lookman came off the bench in the 70th minute for Alex Baena with the tie delicately poised at 2-1, immediately making an impact in the Spanish capital.
Six minutes after his introduction, he combined neatly with Antoine Griezmann before setting up Alexander Sørloth, who calmly finished into the right side of the net to extend Atlético’s lead to 3-1.
Sørloth later completed his hat-trick from a late corner to cap an emphatic night for Diego Simeone’s men, who extended their unbeaten run in regulation time in Champions League knockout matches to 20 games.
Lookman’s contribution highlighted his bright start at Madrid following his January transfer from Atalanta.
The 28-year-old had scored in the first leg in Belgium and now boasts seven goal contributions in seven appearances in all competitions, equalling the best start by any Atlético player since the 2013/2014 season.
Club Brugge, however, missed influential midfielder Raphael Onyedika, who was suspended after picking up a booking in the first leg.
His absence was keenly felt as Brugge struggled to recover despite Joel Ordóñez’s equaliser midway through the first half.
Atlético had initially taken control through Sørloth, who spun away from Brandon Mechele to open the scoring. Johnny Cardoso later doubled the lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the area, leaving Simon Mignolet with no chance.
Lookman nearly added a goal of his own in the 86th minute, but his effort was blocked, with the Spanish side comfortably closing out the contest.
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The result maintains Atlético’s formidable European home record as they await the outcome of Friday’s Round of 16 draw, where they will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
