Ademola Lookman’s rapid impact lifts Atlético as Bruges test awaits | OneFootball

Ademola Lookman has hit the ground running at Atlético Madrid, emerging as a key hope before the Champions League play-off first leg at Club Bruges on Wednesday at 21:00. According to L'Équipe, his arrival has raised hopes of avoiding another trophyless season.

Three days after signing, and with only one session, the 2024 African Ballon d'Or started a Copa del Rey quarter-final, tormenting Real Betis in a 5-0 win with a goal and an assist.

His Atalanta exit was fraught, a summer training boycott and push to leave led to two months frozen out and a rift with supporters. He joined Atlético on winter window deadline day for €35m plus €5m in bonuses, after two summers seeking a bigger club.

Diego Simeone said Lookman integrated immediately, highlighting his power, pace and late burst, and added they hope he can help the team grow and build connections. The 28-year-old can play across the front line and supplies traits the attack had lacked.

Simeone says he brings different characteristics to their other forwards, more of a one-v-one specialist than a link player, and he has made an immediate impact. With Atlético 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid, La Liga hopes have faded.

Lookman is again seen as the X-factor against Bruges. Atlético were beaten and then held by the Belgians in the 2022-23 group stage, 0-2 and 0-0, while Lookman beat Bruges with Atalanta in late September, 2-1.

Source: L'Équipe