Ademola Lookman’s record for Atletico after destorying Barcelona: Super Eagles star rewrites script

Following his high-profile winter move from Atalanta, the Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has turned the Spanish capital into his personal playground, capped off by a legendary performance that saw Atletico Madrid dismantle Barcelona 4-0 in the Copa del Rey.

The 28-year-old’s arrival from Italy in January has been nothing short of a tactical masterstroke for Diego Simeone.

In just three matches for the Rojiblancos, Lookman has already delivered an astonishing four direct goal involvements, scoring twice and providing two assists.

Remarkably, all of this output has come in the high-pressure environment of the Copa del Rey, where he has single-handedly helped Atletico end their long-standing hoodoo against the reigning La Liga champions.

Lookman was the undisputed conductor of the symphony that saw Barcelona brushed aside on Thursday night.

He struck the third goal of the night with clinical precision before turning provider just before the break, teeing up Julián Álvarez for the fourth.

Speaking after the historic victory, Lookman was quick to credit the collective effort:

"I'm very, very happy. Of course, scoring is good, but I think the team played really well tonight. In the box we were very professional, and today we showed a great level of teamwork."

When asked about his immediate impact on such a big stage, he added:

"You always want to score as an attacker, always looking to get into dangerous positions, so I just try to be in the right place at the right time."

Lookman’s explosion in Spain is even more impressive when compared to his output earlier this season for former Europa League winners Atalanta.

While he was a key figure for Atalanta, his efficiency has reached a new stratosphere under Simeone.

Lookman’s debut earlier this month against Real Betis already saw him set a unique club record as he became the first Atletico player since the 2013/14 season to register a goal and assist on his debut.

By adding another goal and assist against Barcelona, he has now become the first January signing in over a decade to contribute four goals in their first three competitive appearances for the club.

While the Nigerian star has started, Lookman is staying grounded as he looks to extend his remarkable start to life in Madrid.