Super Eagles star, Ademola Lookman, believes that Atlético Madrid have enough quality to overcome Arsenal in their UEFA Champions League semifinal.

The Spanish side will host the first leg of the Champions League semifinal today at the Wanda Metropolitana with Lookman expected to play a pivotal role in Diego Simeone’s team success.

With absolute trust in the ability of Simeone to lead the red-and-white team to success, Lookman describes the game against Arsenal as an emotional tie that will bring him closer to his roots.

Pledging his loyalty to the Spanish side’s quest for laurels this season, Lookman said in an interview published by mundodeportivo.com: “Atlético is one of the best clubs in the world, with top players, the team is amazing, the fans are also. It’s a pleasure to play here, what’s happening to us is fantastic; I want to help the team.

“The coach’s confidence is great, helping the team, the confidence of the teammates, it makes you more confident. That’s what we have to do.”

On the game against Arsenal, he said: “They are tough opponents, a top team and we have to be ready to fight. This is the Champions League semifinals and there are no easy rivals at this point. It will be a very tough match.

“Playing against Arsenal is emotional for me. I grew up in London. My first team was Charlton. Being from London, the game against Arsenal is a very special match. But I want to win.”

Lookman credits Simeone for the all-round improvement in his game, saying that the gaffer has helped grow “in every way. My defense is better. I’m more intense, more work back. I think I’m a more complete player.”

Lookman has contributed seven goals and four assists since signing for Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window. The Nigerian international may not be an automatic starter for Simeone but he certainly has experience of performing in big European games.

In 2024 Lookman scored a famous hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final, firing the team to a first European trophy. In doing so he became the first player since Pierino Prati in 1969 to score a hat-trick in a one-legged European final. Now, he will be hoping to have a similar impact in the latter stages of the Champions league with Atlético. (Guardian)

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