Ademola Lookman featured for 60 minutes as Atlético Madrid recorded a historic 2–0 victory over FC Barcelona at Camp Nou in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday.
The result ended Atlético’s 25-match winless run away to Barcelona and marked their first victory at the stadium since 2006, as well as their first away win against Spanish opposition in the competition.
Barcelona started brightly, creating early chances through Marcus Rashford, but Atlético gradually grew into the game, with Julián Álvarez leading their attacking threat.
The hosts thought they had taken the lead when Lamine Yamal set up Rashford, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Despite dominating possession, Barcelona struggled to break down Atlético’s disciplined defensive setup.
The turning point came just before half-time when Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí was sent off for a professional foul, leaving the hosts with 10 men. Álvarez capitalised on the resulting free-kick to give Atlético the lead.
Barcelona continued to press after the break, with Rashford hitting the crossbar and Dani Olmo going close, but Atlético sealed the win late on when substitute Alexander Sørloth finished a swift counter-attack.
Lookman, who joined Atlético from Atalanta in January, impressed with his pace and direct play before being substituted in the second half.
In the other quarter-final tie, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Liverpool FC 2–0 to deepen the English side’s poor away form.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was instrumental for the French champions, becoming the first PSG player to score in four consecutive Champions League knockout matches.
The result means Liverpool have now lost four straight away games in all competitions for the first time since 2012.
With the first-leg matches concluded, Atlético Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain take significant advantages into their respective second-leg fixtures as they push for places in the semi-finals.
