Ademola Lookman has expressed his delight after scoring in Atlético Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League, admitting that he has endured a difficult start to the season but remains determined to rediscover his best form.
The Nigerian international came off the bench to score Atlético’s second goal in the 79th minute at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Tuesday, October 13, helping Diego Simeone’s side secure an important victory against the English club.
Lookman’s goal came after Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens parried Jonathan David’s effort into the Nigerian forward’s path. Alert to the rebound, Lookman reacted quickly and finished from close range to double Atlético’s advantage.
The goal was a welcome moment for the 28-year-old, who had struggled to find the net consistently in the opening weeks of the campaign. It also ended a six-match goal drought and gave him an important confidence boost as he seeks to establish himself as a regular attacking threat for the Spanish side.
Speaking after the match, Lookman praised Atlético’s collective performance, highlighting the contribution of his teammates in securing the result.
“It was a big performance from the team, all round defensively and offensively. A big, big performance from us,” he said in comments published by the club.
The forward also revealed that Simeone had given him clear instructions before introducing him into the contest, emphasising the importance of bringing energy and contributing to both phases of play.
“Simeone told me to just bring the energy, try and help the team defensively and offensively,” Lookman explained.
His comments reflected Atlético’s demanding tactical approach, which requires attacking players to contribute defensively while remaining ready to exploit opportunities in the opposition’s penalty area.
Lookman made an immediate impact after replacing Alex Baena in the 71st minute. His introduction added fresh attacking energy to Atlético’s forward line, while his movement helped stretch Manchester United’s defence during the closing stages.
The Nigerian had already played a part in the decisive moment before scoring, with his involvement in the attacking move that led to Leny Yoro’s dismissal changing the complexion of the contest.
United defender Yoro was sent off in the 74th minute following a video assistant referee review of his challenge on Jonathan David, which was judged to have denied the Atlético forward a clear goalscoring opportunity.
With Manchester United reduced to 10 players, Atlético took advantage of the additional space and eventually extended their lead through Lookman’s close-range finish.
The result was particularly significant for Simeone’s team after they began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 defeat away to Liverpool. The victory over United provided a timely response and strengthened the Spanish side’s position as they seek to progress in the competition.
Atlético had taken the lead just 53 seconds into the match through Pablo Barrios, who finished after the hosts capitalised on an early defensive lapse by Manchester United.
The visitors attempted to respond, creating opportunities through Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes, but struggled to convert their chances. Fernandes also struck the crossbar, while Atlético threatened through several promising attacking moves.
A second Atlético goal from Johnny Cardoso was ruled out following a VAR review before half-time, ensuring that the contest remained close until the second half.
However, Yoro’s dismissal shifted the balance in Atlético’s favour, and Lookman’s late goal secured the victory.
Despite celebrating his contribution, Lookman was candid about his individual performances at the beginning of the season. The forward acknowledged that he had not consistently produced the level of football he expected from himself but insisted that he remained focused on improving.
“Very happy, but I have not really had the best start to the season myself, personally. But keep on going, keep on fighting, keep on working. That is the mindset,” he said.
The statement underlined his determination to respond positively to the challenges of adapting to Atlético’s system and meeting the expectations placed on him.
Lookman joined Atlético from Atalanta earlier in 2026 after establishing himself as one of the most dangerous attacking players in Italian football. His performances for Atalanta, particularly in European competition, raised expectations about the impact he could make in Spain.
However, adapting to a new club, tactical system and competitive environment can require time, especially at a team known for its demanding defensive organisation and high work rate.
Simeone has continued to emphasise Lookman’s importance to the squad, praising his attacking qualities, goalscoring ability and effectiveness in one-on-one situations.
The Atlético manager believes the Nigerian has the attributes to make a significant contribution, although consistency remains an important part of his development within the team.
For Lookman, the goal against Manchester United could provide the platform he needs to build momentum. Finding the net in a high-profile European fixture can help restore confidence, particularly for a forward who has been working to overcome a difficult run in front of goal.
He also credited his teammates for the work they had done before his introduction, acknowledging that their efforts made it easier for him to settle into the match and contribute.
“I’m very happy to come on and help the team; it’s important. The guys put in a big shift before I came on, which made it easier to slot in and play, so I’m really pleased with the collective effort,” he added.
Lookman will now hope to build on the performance as Atlético turn their attention to their upcoming domestic fixtures. The forward believes the victory over Manchester United will give the team greater confidence as they continue their campaign.
For the Super Eagles star, the immediate objective is to turn an encouraging European performance into sustained contributions, helping Atlético maintain their momentum while rediscovering the consistency that made him such an influential attacking player.
