Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone has explained why Ademola Lookman did not start in the team’s 4-1 UEFA Champions League knockout phase playoff victory over Club Brugge on Tuesday evening.

The Super Eagles forward made an impact after coming off the bench with an assist as Atlético advanced 7-4 on aggregate to reach the next stage of the competition.

Simeone said Lookman was left out of the starting lineup for tactical reasons and because of the strong form of striker Alexander Sørloth, stating, as quoted by Eldesmarque, “Because he didn't play. Because Sorloth played.”

The coach further explained that Lookman is still developing defensively but remains primarily an attacking player, saying, “He'll improve that with time; his characteristics are purely offensive. Julián was going to work with the team because he knows us better.

"There are no big names. There are players. The game lasts 90 minutes. That's when we saw Griezmann come on in his thirties.”

 Simeone used the statement to emphasize his philosophy of team balance, squad familiarity, and game management rather than relying on star reputation.

Lookman was introduced in the second half of the encounter, coming on around the 70th minute and immediately adding creativity and pace to Atlético’s attack. 

His contribution proved decisive as he delivered an assist to help set up one of Sørloth’s goals during the dominant home performance.

The Nigerian forward’s involvement helped maintain Atlético’s attacking pressure as they controlled the latter stages of the match.

Wale Adejumo