Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman delivered another commanding display as Atlético Madrid ended their three-match winless run in LaLiga with a resounding 4–2 victory over RCD Espanyol at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
The win pushed Atlético six points clear of Real Betis, who had earlier dropped points against Rayo Vallecano, while drawing level on points with Villarreal CF in the race for European qualification.
Espanyol struck first inside five minutes when Tyrhys Dolan broke down the flank and delivered a dangerous near-post cross that was clinically finished by Jofre Carreras, stunning the home supporters.
Atlético responded in the 20th minute. After neat build-up play, Marcos Llorente picked out Alexander Sørloth, who volleyed brilliantly across the goalkeeper to restore parity.
The hosts completed the turnaround four minutes into the second half. Álex Baena split the defence with a perfectly weighted pass to Giuliano Simeone, whose late run into the box was rewarded with a powerful drilled finish to make it 2–1.
Then came the Nigerian impact. Just before the hour mark, Lookman positioned himself inside the six-yard box and reacted sharply to a teasing delivery, launching into a full-length diving header to push the ball over the line for Atlético’s third goal. It was a poacher’s finish that highlighted his anticipation and attacking intelligence.
Beyond the goal, Lookman produced an efficient all-round performance. The 26-year-old registered three shots, completed 11 of his 13 passes, and recorded 23 touches during his 61 minutes on the pitch before being replaced by Julián Álvarez as Diego Simeone managed the game.
Sørloth later sealed the victory with a towering header for his second of the night after earlier seeing an effort strike the inside of the post. Espanyol grabbed a late consolation through Edu Expósito, but the contest was already beyond them.
The performance further cements Lookman’s growing influence in Spain. His movement, efficiency in possession, and clinical edge in front of goal underline why he is becoming a central figure in Atlético’s attacking blueprint as the season approaches its decisive phase.
