Super Eagles watch: How Ademola Lookman rated after firing Atletico to Girona win

Ademola Lookman once again proved why he has quickly become one of the most important players in Atlético Madrid after scoring the winning goal in a tense 1-0 victory over Girona FC at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian winger struck in the 21st minute of the Matchday 37 encounter, finishing calmly after being set up by Antoine Griezmann.

The victory ensured that Diego Simeone’s men ended their final home game of the 2025/26 La Liga season on a winning note while strengthening their grip on a UEFA Champions League place. The defeat, however, pushed Girona deeper into relegation trouble with only one match remaining.

Lookman’s display once again confirmed his brilliance since arriving from Atalanta BC during the January transfer window in a deal reportedly worth €35 million. The 28-year-old has settled quickly into Simeone’s demanding system and has now become one of Atletico’s most reliable attacking weapons during the closing months of the season.

Apart from his goal, the former Leicester City star’s overall performance showed maturity, movement and efficiency in possession. Statistics platform Sofascore awarded him a strong 7.2 rating after he recorded three shots, completed 89 percent of his passes and created two key chances before being substituted in the 64th minute. Meanwhile, WhoScored handed him a 7.16 rating for another disciplined and decisive display.

Lookman constantly stretched Girona’s defensive line with intelligent runs behind the back four while also linking effectively with Griezmann in Atletico’s front line. The understanding between both attackers was especially clear during the goal. Griezmann’s assist, remarkably his 100th for Atletico Madrid, was weighted perfectly, but Lookman still had plenty to do before clinically finishing past goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

The goal also continued Lookman’s impressive late-season form. Only days earlier, he converted the decisive penalty against Osasuna, meaning he has now delivered back-to-back match-winning contributions at a crucial stage of the campaign. Across all competitions, the Nigerian has now scored 12 goals this season, a pointer to why Simeone increasingly trusts him in pressure moments.

Ademola Lookman shines as Girona’s survival hopes suffer major blow

While Atletico celebrated a successful home farewell, the mood around Girona was completely different.

The Catalan club arrived in Madrid knowing that any positive result could improve their survival hopes. Instead, they left the Metropolitano sitting 18th in the table on 40 points, officially inside the relegation zone heading into the final day of the season.

That situation is particularly painful considering Girona’s dramatic rise over the last few years. Only recently, the club had been competing near the top end of La Liga and pushing for European qualification places. Now, their survival depends not only on winning their final match but also on favourable results elsewhere because La Liga’s head-to-head tie-breaker system could prove decisive.

Atletico, meanwhile, looked far calmer and more organised throughout the contest. Simeone’s side defended with their usual discipline, restricting Girona to very few clear openings. The hosts relied on the defensive strength that has shaped much of their campaign, having conceded only 39 league goals across the season.

Atletico are now level on 69 points with Villarreal CF in the race for third place, although the final standings will depend on the last round of fixtures.

Interestingly, the two teams will faceoff on matchday 38 with the winner assured of third place on the table. More importantly, Champions League qualification has already been secured, allowing Simeone’s men to approach the final weekend with confidence.