Former Nigeria international Friday Ekpo has pinpointed Ademola Lookman as the player most likely to trouble Arsenal when Atletico Madrid visit the Emirates Stadium in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.
The tie is finely poised following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Metropolitano Stadium, a match in which Lookman was among the more prominent figures in an Atletico attack that caused Arsenal’s backline repeated problems. The Super Eagles winger came close to breaking the deadlock but was denied by a timely save from the Arsenal goalkeeper.
Ekpo, speaking to Completesports.com, said he has little doubt the Nigerian forward will deliver an even more impactful display in the return fixture. “I have no doubt that Ademola Lookman will give a good account of himself against Arsenal. We saw what he can do in the first leg, and he nearly scored but was stopped by the goalkeeper,” Ekpo said.
The former international went on to highlight Lookman’s physical attributes as reasons why Arsenal’s defence should be wary heading into the contest. “I expect Lookman to be more explosive in tonight’s match because he has the pace and skills. Arsenal must buckle up if they are to stop him,” he added.
Lookman has been one of the standout performers in European competition this season, continuing the form he demonstrated during the 2023-24 campaign when he scored a hat-trick for Atalanta in their UEFA Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen. His move to Atletico Madrid has seen him maintain that level of output on a larger stage, and his showing in the first leg reinforced his reputation as a decisive wide attacker in knockout football.
Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, will be looking to protect home advantage and advance to the Champions League final. The Gunners have been strong at the Emirates Stadium throughout the campaign, but Atletico Madrid — under Diego Simeone — have a well-documented record of resilience and tactical discipline in European two-legged ties, having reached the final of the competition on two previous occasions.
For Lookman, the second leg presents another opportunity to perform on one of football’s most prominent stages. At 27, the winger has steadily grown into a consistent threat at the highest level, and Ekpo’s assessment reflects a wider expectation that his contribution could prove decisive in determining which club reaches the final.
