Lookman aims to end goal drought against Arsenal in UCL
Ademola Lookman will intention to end his goal drought against Arsenal when Atlético Madrid journey to London for the decisive second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reviews.
The tie stays finely balanced at 1-1 following the primary leg in Madrid, with either side looking for a spot in the ultimate scheduled for May 30 in Budapest, the place both Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain await.
Lookman, who delivered a powerful show in the primary leg, stays central to Atlético’s attacking plans regardless of failing to rating or help in six earlier conferences against Arsenal.
The Nigerian accomplished 95 per cent of his passes in the opposition half, recorded 4 photographs with two heading in the right direction, and contributed defensively in a efficiency that earned widespread reward.
Simeone highlighted the ahead’s all-round contribution in the primary leg, significantly his defensive effort, noting that the participant is more and more adapting to the crew’s tactical calls for.
“I loved Lookman’s game; we’re getting an important player to understand that his defensive work helps us,” Simeone stated.
The Atlético coach additionally acknowledged the standard of the opposition, stressing that Arsenal’s depth and consistency make them formidable contenders.
“You saw the five of their players who came on… they’re very good and have more than enough talent to compete,” he added.
“They’ve won 10 Champions League matches, drawn three, and haven’t lost. We’re playing against a fantastic team.”
Lookman’s former teammate at Atalanta, Michel Adopo, has backed the Nigerian to make the distinction in the return leg, expressing perception in his capacity to rise to the event. Reflecting on their time collectively, Adopo recommended that Lookman is now totally embracing his function at a prime membership and is able to delivering in decisive moments.
“After the triumph, I remember that Ademola himself didn’t understand the importance of his performance. Atletico is an amazing opportunity for Ademola,” he stated.
“Finally, he is at a giant club. I actually believe he will score against Arsenal.”
Atlético head into the competition on the again of a confidence-boosting win over Valencia, though there was a way of frustration after the primary leg, the place they had been broadly thought of to have created sufficient possibilities to take a lead into the return fixture.
The Spanish aspect began strongly earlier than a defensive lapse led to a penalty transformed by Viktor Gyökeres, whereas a second-half spot-kick from Julián Alvarez restored parity after a Ben White handball.
Despite creating additional alternatives, together with missed possibilities by Lookman, Atlético had been unable to capitalize.
Manager Diego Simeone rotated his squad closely in the league win over Valencia, resting key gamers forward of the journey to the Emirates Stadium, with a number of first-leg starters anticipated to return.
Despite the problem, Atlético will draw confidence from previous encounters, together with their development against Arsenal in the 2017/18 Europa League semi-final, in addition to historic precedent in related eventualities the place they’ve superior after drawing the primary leg.
With a spot in the ultimate at stake and Atlético looking for their first look in a decade, consideration might be firmly on Lookman as he seems to be to break his scoring drought and assist his aspect overcome certainly one of Europe’s most constant groups.