Super Eagles watch: Ademola Lookman's performance in Atletico Madrid's win over Osasuna

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman found the net for Atletico Madrid as they secured a tense 2‑1 victory over Osasuna on Tuesday, Afrik‑Foot reports.

After last week’s disappointment of missing out on the UEFA Champions League, Los Colchoneros returned to action in a challenging encounter at Estadio El Sadar.

The Super Eagles international partnered with French striker Antoine Griezmann in a two‑man attack, often positioning himself as the most advanced player when Atletico pressed forward.

Antoine Griezmann and Ademola Lookman Copyright: xNewsxImagesxImago

From the first whistle it was evident that Osasuna would not sit back and allow Atletico to control the game. The home side, however, were forced to defend early when a VAR check confirmed a handball by Javi Galán inside the box, awarding Atletico a penalty.

Rather than Griezmann, Lookman stepped up, taking a short run‑up and sending the ball into the bottom‑left corner to put Atletico ahead in the 15th minute.

Since joining Atletico Madrid, the only criticism coach Diego Simeone has voiced concerns Lookman’s perceived lack of defensive contribution.

Nevertheless, the Super Eagles player has shown progress in recent weeks. Against Osasuna he was a little over‑eager, conceding a free‑kick in the 30th minute.

After the penalty, Atletico adopted a more defensive stance, yielding possession and pressure to Osasuna. The hosts generated better chances but lacked the finishing touch.

Lookman received fewer opportunities in dangerous areas, as Osasuna players frequently double‑marked him whenever he gained possession.

He attempted to spark combination play in the final third, but the opposition’s organization limited his impact.

In the second half, Thiago Almada was substituted for Alexander Sørloth, with the intention of delivering long balls for the striker to hold up and link with Lookman.

Sørloth, however, was tightly marked. He eventually broke through in the 71st minute, heading in a well‑placed cross from Marcos Llorente.

Lookman, who remained relatively quiet in the second half, was replaced by Clément Lenglet in the 82nd minute to provide Atletico with additional defensive stability after Llorente received a red card.

Nine minutes later, Los Rojillos pulled one back through a strike by Kike Barja, but the goal came too late to spark a comeback, and the match concluded 2‑1.

What Were Ademola Lookman’s Key Numbers?

During his 82 minutes on the pitch, Lookman recorded a single shot – the successful penalty – along with 40 touches, one dribble and four ball recoveries.

Ademola Lookman of Atletico Madrid. Copyright: ImagoxMickaelxDucintx

His passing was efficient, completing 22 of 28 attempts for a 79 percent success rate, and he committed two fouls during the game.

Atletico Madrid’s next fixture is a clash with Girona at the Metropolitano on Sunday.

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Kelvin Omachonu

Sports Writer

Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically‑driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is also a basketball fan