Ademola Lookman will probably be on the centre of consideration as Atlético Madrid intention to finish their 20-year anticipate an away win towards Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
Atlético haven’t crushed Barcelona away since 2006, however a lot of the assumption forward of this Champions League quarter-final conflict is now constructed round Lookman’s type.
The Nigerian ahead has made a vivid begin since becoming a member of Atlético from Atalanta in January. In a short while, he has scored 5 targets, offered 4 assists, and turn into one of many crew’s most harmful attacking gamers.
Lookman already confirmed his high quality towards Barcelona within the Copa del Rey, the place he scored and assisted in a 4-0 victory. That efficiency proved he can ship on the large stage.
Supervisor Diego Simeone is predicted to start out Lookman after resting him within the current league defeat to Barcelona. The choice was geared toward maintaining him contemporary for this vital European tie.
Atlético are prone to defend deep and keep compact, however Lookman will probably be key after they transfer ahead. His tempo, dribbling and direct fashion make him the proper participant for fast counter-attacks.
Barcelona, underneath Hansi Flick, will attempt to management the sport with possession and excessive urgent. Nevertheless, this strategy might depart house on the again — an space the place Lookman could be very harmful.
With gamers like Julián Álvarez supporting the assault, Atlético will look to launch Lookman rapidly at any time when they win the ball.
Regardless of Barcelona’s robust residence document, Atlético will take confidence from previous Champions League conferences the place they knocked the Spanish facet out of the competitors.
Crew information might additionally favour Atlético. Barcelona are coping with accidents to key gamers, which can give Lookman extra probabilities to use gaps in defence.
All eyes will now be on the Tremendous Eagles star. If Lookman delivers one other robust efficiency, he might assist Atlético lastly break their long-standing document on the Camp Nou.
