Nigeria international Ademola Lookman was in action for 60 minutes as Atletico Madrid secured a rare victory over Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

The 2-0 win was Diego Simeone's first victory at Barcelona's iconic home ground since taking charge of Atlético. 

Goals from Julián Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth, who replaced Lookman, secured a victory for Los Rojiblancos.

Reflecting on the result, Lookman praised the collective effort, particularly the team’s defensive solidity on a challenging night.

"It was a good result, the performance of the team, especially not to concede here. It shows the work everyone's been doing and the togetherness,” he told TNT Sports, as monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com. 

Lookman highlighted the importance of key moments that shaped the contest, particularly the turning point just before half-time when Barcelona were reduced to ten men following Pau Cubarsí’s dismissal.

Atlético capitalised immediately, with Álvarez converting the resulting free-kick in clinical fashion.

"If you say so. You know especially scoring after they had a man sent off, that was key as well. Brilliant free-kick from Julián (Alvarez) and also the timing of Alex's (Alexander Sørloth) goal in the second half was also good."

With a crucial advantage secured in the first leg, Lookman and his teammates now turn their attention to the return leg next Tuesday, fully aware that the tie is far from over.

"They are a top team of course, in situations they put you in. Difficult moments but we dug in together.

"It's going to be a massive challenge, massive game. we know that. Calm heads, for sure. We'll take each game as it comes."

The former African Footballer of the Year concluded by saying that he has been enjoying life at the Madrid club since his arrival from Atalanta in the winter transfer market. 

"It has been nice, it has been great actually, long may it continue."

In fifteen outings across all competitions for Atletico Madrid, Lookman has registered five goals and four assists.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel