By Happiness Etukudo
Nigerian international Ademola Lookman is set to participate in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League during his inaugural season with Atletico Madrid.
The Spanish LaLiga team suffered a defeat in the second leg of the Last 16 match against Tottenham Hotspur, losing 3-2 in London; however, their 5-2 victory in the first leg secured Atlético an aggregate win of 7-5, allowing them to advance to the quarterfinals.
Lookman was close to scoring as early as the sixth minute when he converted a pass from Giuliano Simeone, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Moments later, the former Atalanta player faced another setback when Cristian Romero intercepted him in the six-yard box.
In the 63rd minute, Coach Diego Simeone substituted Lookman for Alexander Sørloth while Atletico trailed 2-1. David Hancko equalized for Atletico in the 75th minute, but Xavi Simons secured the first victory for new coach Igor Tudor, which ultimately was insufficient for Spurs to reach the Last Eight.
Meanwhile, at Anfield, Victor Osimhen and his Galatasaray teammates were eliminated from the Champions League following a commanding 4-0 loss. This result nullified the 1-0 lead the Turkish side had taken to England from the first leg.
Liverpool showcased an impressive performance, scoring four goals against Galatasaray and setting up a Champions League quarter-final clash with the reigning champions, Paris St-Germain.
After trailing 1-0 due to a loss in Istanbul last week, Arne Slot’s team equalized on aggregate when Dominik Szoboszlai successfully converted a well-executed set-piece.
Just before half-time, Mohamed Salah had a penalty saved by Ugurcan Cakir, but Liverpool netted three goals within 11 minutes in the second half to secure their victory. Hugo Ekitike scored from close range following an excellent pass from Salah, and Ryan Gravenberch found the net after Salah’s shot was parried by Cakir.
RESULTS
UCL
Barcelona 7-2 Newcastle
(Aggregate 8-3)
B’Munich 4-1 Atalanta
(Aggregate 10-2)
Liverpool 4-0 Galatasaray
(Aggregate 4-1)
Tottenham 3-2 Atlético
(Aggregate 5-7)
Ademola Lookman Cruise into UCL Q’finals, Osimhen Crash out
