The Digest:
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman scored as Atletico Madrid delivered a stunning 4-0 victory over Copa del Rey holders Barcelona in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Metropolitano Stadium on Thursday. An Eric Garcia own goal opened the scoring, followed by strikes from Antoine Griezmann, Lookman, and Julian Alvarez, ending the Argentine's 11-match goal drought—all before half-time. Barcelona's Garcia was sent off late in the second half. The dominant display gives Atletico a commanding advantage ahead of the March 3 second leg at Camp Nou. Real Sociedad holds a 1-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao in the other semi-final.
Key Points:
- Lookman's goal continues his impressive debut season in Spain, enhancing his status as a key attacking asset.
- Atletico's emphatic victory puts them on the brink of their first Copa final since 2013.
- Lookman gains confidence and visibility, while Barcelona face a monumental comeback challenge.
- This signals Atletico's serious intent to secure silverware, prioritising the Copa amid league and Champions League struggles.
- The timing, with a three-week gap before the second leg, allows Barcelona to regroup but also Atletico to savour the advantage.
Atletico are firm favourites to reach the final, though Barcelona's comeback pedigree at Camp Nou means the tie is not yet mathematically settled.
Sources: AFP, Vanguard
