Atletico Madrid travel back to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium holding a commanding 2-0 first-leg advantage over FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, and former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou believes Nigerian international Ademola Lookman will play a decisive role in completing the job.
Kalou, who represented Ivory Coast during a career that included a stint at Chelsea, shared his assessment of Lookman’s performance during the first leg on Wednesday while appearing as a pundit on SuperSport. Atletico secured the result at Camp Nou through a Julián Álvarez free-kick just before halftime, with Alexander Sørloth adding a second goal after coming off the bench to replace Lookman in the second half.
The Nigerian winger’s display was notably muted by his own standards, but Kalou attributed this to the tactical demands of the occasion rather than any shortfall in quality. “In this kind of game, I am sure he didn’t enjoy the match because he had to defend more than he had to attack,” the Ivorian said. Despite acknowledging Lookman’s natural game is built on forward momentum, Kalou stressed the importance of collective success. “His strength is to go forward, but still, when you have the victory, you are happy to go back home, knowing that you have the chance to qualify for the semis,” he added.
Kalou concluded with an unambiguous endorsement of Lookman’s broader standing on the continent. “I hope he will get there because he is a great player, and all Africans will be rooting for him,” he stated.
Lookman joined Atletico Madrid from Atalanta in January, making a high-profile mid-season switch after an outstanding individual campaign in Serie A. The 27-year-old famously scored a hat-trick for Atalanta in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s most impactful players on the European stage. Despite Wednesday’s subdued showing, his broader Champions League contribution this season has been significant — two goals and four assists across 12 appearances.
Atletico’s victory at Camp Nou represents a considerable result in the context of the tie. Barcelona, who have been among the more consistent sides in Europe’s top competition this season, were unable to find a way through Diego Simeone‘s well-organised defensive structure. Álvarez’s set-piece opener was the difference before Sørloth’s late strike put the Spanish capital club firmly in control ahead of the return fixture.
The second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano will give Lookman the opportunity to contribute in a more attacking capacity, with Atletico in a position to play with greater freedom given their lead. A place in the semi-finals would represent a significant milestone for the club and would further elevate Lookman’s profile as one of the standout African players in this season’s competition.
For Kalou, whose international career with Ivory Coast included appearances at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, Lookman’s journey carries broader symbolic weight. The Super Eagles forward has increasingly become a focal point of African football pride, and with the second leg approaching, that support is only likely to grow.
