Ademola Lookman shines as Atlético Madrid crush Barcelona 4-0 in Copa del Rey clash

Ademola Lookman produced a standout performance, scoring one and assisting another, as Atlético Madrid dismantled Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at the Metropolitano Stadium on Thursday night.

Diego Simeone’s side made a flying start when Eric García inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to hand the hosts an early advantage. Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead just 14 minutes into the contest before Lookman added the third in the 33rd minute with a composed finish.

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Julián Álvarez then capped a dominant first-half display, converting from close range just before the break after being set up by Lookman.

The Nigerian international was visibly elated after netting his first home goal for Atlético Madrid, describing the moment as special.

Lookman, who joined Atlético from Atalanta during the winter transfer window, has now registered two goals and two assists in his first three appearances for the Spanish giants.

“I’m very, very happy. Of course, scoring is good, but I think the team played really well tonight,” Lookman told Sporty TV.

“In the box, we were very professional, and today we showed a great level of teamwork.

“We got that energy from our fans tonight; they were amazing, so we are glad.”

Asked whether he had envisioned scoring against Barcelona, Lookman said finding the net is always the objective for a forward.

“You always want to score as an attacker, always looking to get into dangerous positions, so I just try to be in the right place at the right time.”

The result leaves Barcelona with a daunting task in the second leg, while Atlético Madrid appear firmly on course for a place in the Copa del Rey final.