Atletico Madrid Defeat Barcelona

Atletico Madrid has defeated Barcelona.

NewsRain Nigeria reports that Atletico Madrid crushed Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.

Nigerian international Ademola Lookman scored his second goal since joining the Spanish capital from Atalanta on February 2.

The Super Eagles winger capped his impressive display by providing an assist for Julian Alvarez in front of the home fans at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

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Seven minutes into the first half, Atletico Madrid took the lead after an own goal by Joan Garcia, as the Barcelona goalkeeper failed to control a back pass which trickled into the net.

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In the 14th minute, Nahuel Molina slipped the ball through to Antoine Griezmann, who curled a composed finish past Garcia from inside the box.

Atletico extended their advantage in the 33rd minute when Giuliano Simeone broke down the right, and Julian Alvarez squared the ball to Ademola Lookman, who drilled a low, powerful shot beyond Garcia.

The goal took Lookman to two goals in three games for Atletico Madrid. In the 45+2 minute, the Nigerian international turned provider, laying the ball back for Julian Alvarez, who fired home his first goal in over two months.

Barcelona thought they had pulled one back in the 52nd minute through Pau Cubarsi, assisted by Robert Lewandowski, but the goal was ruled out for offside after an eight-minute VAR review.

In the 90+1st minute, Nahuel Molina whipped a low cross into the box, beating the goalkeeper and Alexander Sorloth with an open net, but the Atletico Madrid striker somehow fired just wide of the post.

Recall that Atalanta President Luca Percassi has spoken about Lookman’s exit to Atletico, having initially threatened not to sanction the move early in January.

Percassi claimed that even though Atalanta signed Giacomo Raspadori, it is not a reason to let an important player like Lookman go.