AFCON 2025
After defeating Real Batis in the Copa Del Rey Quarter Final, Ademola Lookman’s Atletico Madrid will be going up against the defending champions Barcelona for a spot in the finals.
Atletico Madrid booked their spot in the final four after a comprehensive 5-0 dismantling of Real Betis, a match where the Nigerian international recorded his first match in Atletico Madrid colors registering one goal and one assist. Conversely, Barcelona edged past second-tier Albacete 2-1 in their quarter-final clash. While Barcelona have dominated La Liga defensively, they have occasionally looked vulnerable in the cup, having conceded 2 goals in that quarter-final match alone as they rode out a late comeback attempt.
The approach under Hansi Flick is famously aggressive, a high defensive line designed to suffocate opponents and compress the playing space. While this stifles many teams, it creates vast, open space behind them for attackers with elite pace and intelligence. Lookman, known for his direct dribbling and explosive acceleration, is perfectly equipped to turn this risk into reward.
The key for Atletico will be transition moments; winning the ball deep and launching instant vertical passes. If Lookman can isolate Barcelona’s defenders in 1v1 situations or catch them flat-footed during a defensive transition, the Catalans’ pursuit of another trophy could end prematurely.
Here are the three Barcelona defenders Lookman must destroy to book Atletico’s place in the final.
1) Jules Koundé (Right-Back)
While Koundé is an intelligent defender, he is naturally a center-back operating out wide. He lacks the lightning recovery pace required to track pure wingers over long distances.
Lookman needs to square him up constantly. By using his low center of gravity to make sharp changes of direction, Lookman can force Koundé into committing too early, opening up space for a shot or a dangerous cross into the box.
Ademola Lookman has been a master of this art, and will surely punish Koundé if given the slightest opportunity in that game.
2) Pau Cubarsí (Center-Back)
Cubarsí is exceptional on the ball and comfortable in a high line, but at just 19 years old, he can occasionally be caught out by clever movement.
Lookman must exploit the channel between Cubarsí and the left-back. By making diagonal runs in behind, Lookman can catch the teenager off guard before he can react to the danger, utilizing speed to get to long balls first.
Dropping into the midfield more often gives Lookman the tactical edge over Pau, this makes him less likely to be tracked by the defenders, and can easily take outside shots from far distance even before coming into Pau defensive raider.
3) Alejandro Balde (Left-Back)
Balde is a thrilling attacking full-back, but his relentless desire to push high up the pitch leaves significant space behind him during turnover moments.
This is Lookman’s primary mission. When Atletico wins the ball, Lookman should instantly sprint into the space vacated by Balde. Forcing Balde to defend deeper also neutralizes Barcelona’s primary attacking threat from the left wing.
With Ademola Lookman’s blasting pace, he sure has the ability to punish Barcelona defenders if left to operate in isolation and when given the ball in a quick counter. Lookman doesn’t necessarily need to be in your box to make an attempt, which makes it difficult for Barcelona high line defenders to keep the Nigerian in check.
