Former Odion Ighalo, who previously played for Manchester United, has voiced his belief that Ademola Lookman will flourish under the guidance of Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid.
Describing Simeone as an astute and tactical manager, Ighalo believes that Lookman’s transition to one of Spain’s premier clubs will significantly enhance his development as a player.
Since his recent move from Atalanta on a four-and-a-half-year contract, Lookman has made a strong impression, registering four goals and two assists in just six appearances for Atlético.
“Playing under Diego Simeone’s guidance will benefit Lookman because Simeone is a tactical and intelligent coach.
“I see this [Lookman’s move from Atalanta to Atletico] as a good step forward in his career,”Ighalo stated in an interview with Winwin.
Lookman is expected to play a key role when Atletico Madrid host Club Brugge in the return leg of their Champions League Round of 16 playoffs in mid-week.
Ademola Lookman endured a frustrating La Ligadebut as Atletico Madrid slipped to a 1-0 home defeat against Real Betis at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday.
The Nigerian forward, handed his first league start following a January move from Atalanta, saw an early goal ruled out for offside as Atletico failed to capitalise on their chances in a match settled by a moment of quality from Betis winger Antony.
Antony’s decisive strike arrived in the 28th minute, when the Brazilian cut inside and fired a low shot beyond Jan Oblak to give the visitors a lead they would protect for the remainder of the contest.
Disallowed goal mars Lookman’s first start
Lookman was central to Atletico’s attacking play in the opening exchanges and appeared to have marked his full league debut with a goal midway through the first half.
Lookman goal was ruled out for offside in the game – Getty image
The Super Eagles forward finished clinically inside the area, only for VAR to rule the effort out for offside, cutting short celebrations inside the stadium.
Despite the setback, Lookman continued to offer pace, movement and direct running, frequently occupying Betis centre-backs Natan and Diego Llorente.
His positioning created space for Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez, though Atletico struggled to convert territorial dominance into clear-cut chances.
Betis discipline blunts Atletico pressure
As the game progressed, Betis grew increasingly compact, limiting Lookman’s influence in advanced areas. The visitors defended in numbers and forced Atletico into wide areas, reducing the effectiveness of crosses into the box.
Goalkeeper Álvaro Vallés played a key role in preserving Betis’ lead, producing several saves in the second half as Atletico pushed for an equaliser.
Lookman, who was later substituted, was one of Simeone’s main attacking threats in the game.
The final whistle confirmed Lookman’s first league defeat in Spanish football, a sharp contrast to his positive cup showing earlier in the week.
Real Madrid secured a place in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final after overcoming city rivals Atletico Madrid in Jeddah.
Xabi Alonso’s side approached the derby with clear intent after suffering a 5-2 defeat in the teams’ earlier meeting this season, and they wasted no time in asserting control.
Lightning start sets the tone
Inside 90 seconds, Federico Valverde broke the deadlock with a ferocious free-kick from around 30 yards, leaving Jan Oblak with no chance.
The early strike allowed Madrid to manage the game on their terms, conceding possession but remaining structurally disciplined.
Atletico pushed forward and created opportunities, with Alexander Sørloth missing two presentable chances and Alex Baena denied by a strong save from Thibaut Courtois. Their inability to capitalise would soon be punished.
Madrid punish missed chances
Ten minutes into the second half, Real Madrid doubled their advantage as Rodrygo Goes timed his run perfectly to collect Valverde’s pass before finishing clinically past Oblak.
Atletico responded on the hour mark when Sørloth finally converted, heading in at the back post to reduce the deficit and inject urgency into Simeone’s side.
Despite late pressure and attacking substitutions including Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada, Real Madrid held their ground, even while ending the match without a natural centre-back on the pitch.
The win sets up a Superclasico final against Barcelona on Sunday, after the Catalans swept aside Athletic Club in the other semi-final on Wednesday.
Viktor Gyokeres rediscovered his scoring touch with a brilliant brace as Arsenal thumped Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Gunners delivered a statement performance at the Emirates, dominating from start to finish to maintain their European momentum.
Set-piece strength sets the tone
Arsenal took control early through yet another well-worked set piece. Defender Gabriel Magalhaes powered home a header to open the scoring before Gabriel Martinelli doubled the lead, leaving Atletico’s defence exposed.
Gyokeres back among the goals
After a six-game goal drought, Gyokeres finally broke his silence, striking twice to seal a one-sided victory for the Gunners.
Elsewhere in Europe
Manchester City edged Villarreal 2-0, with Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva on target.
Newcastle United continued their fine European form with a 3-0 win over Benfica, powered by Harvey Barnes’ brace.
Meanwhile, Barcelona ran riot with a 6-1 win over Olympiacos, thanks to Marcus Rashford’s double, while PSG and PSV enjoyed emphatic victories as well, scoring six and seven goals respectively on a night of high-scoring Champions League action.
Atletico Madrid thrashed rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in a chaotic first derby of the season, with Julian Alvarez scoring twice to outshine Kylian Mbappe and expose Los Blancos’ defensive frailties.
Mbappe and Arda Guler were on target for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but costly errors from Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao handed Atletico the initiative in a fiery contest at the Metropolitano.
Early drama and Madrid response
Robin Le Normand’s header gave Atletico the lead, but Real quickly turned the tide. Mbappe equalised after 25 minutes from Guler’s incisive pass before the youngster himself slotted past Jan Oblak to put Madrid ahead.
Madrid’s backline crumbled under pressure as Alexander Sorloth rose between Huijsen and Militao to nod home a leveller on the stroke of half-time, leaving Courtois stranded.
Alvarez takes control
Atleti regained the lead when Guler’s high boot caught Nico Gonzalez in the area, with Alvarez converting from the spot.
The Argentine then struck again with a sublime free-kick that dipped over the wall to make it 4-2.
Griezmann finishes the job
Antoine Griezmann capped off the rout in stoppage time with a precise finish into the bottom corner, sealing a memorable evening for Diego Simeone’s men and leaving Madrid to reflect on a defensive disaster.
Mohamed Salah sealed his legendary status at Liverpool by setting a unique Champions League record during the Reds’ thrilling 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
The Egyptian forward produced both a goal and an assist inside the opening six minutes, a feat never before achieved by a player representing an English club in Europe’s elite competition.
Andy Robertson, restored to the starting lineup, bundled home Salah’s free-kick for the first goal.
Two minutes later, Salah, through his trademark brilliance, weaving past defenders to finish clinically from Ryan Gravenberch’s pass.
Historic milestones for Salah
Salah’s strike was more than just a decisive contribution on the night. It marked his 250th goal in English football, a tally that includes two during his brief Chelsea spell before his Anfield career flourished.
In addition, his appearance against Atletico was his 74th in the Champions League for Liverpool, surpassing Steven Gerrard’s record of 73.
Only Jamie Carragher, with 80, now stands ahead in the club’s European appearance charts.
Beyond Salah’s individual exploits, Liverpool’s sharp start against Atletico offered encouragement for manager Arne Slot, whose new-look squad has yet to fully gel.
The visitors grew into the contest and forced Liverpool into defensive work, but the hosts held firm to secure another dramatic win under the Anfield lights.
Focus turns to Merseyside derby
Attention now shifts to domestic duties, with Everton visiting Anfield on Saturday.
