Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman came off the bench to score as Atletico Madrid defeated Manchester United 2-0 in their UEFA Champions League clash, Trybal News reports.
Introduced by Diego Simeone in the 71st minute, Lookman made an immediate impact, sealing the victory for the Spanish side with a goal eight minutes later at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
The Super Eagles forward capitalised on a rebound after Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens saved Jonathan David’s effort, finishing from close range to double Atletico’s lead.
Lookman’s decisive contribution came shortly after United were reduced to 10 men, with defender Leny Yoro sent off following a VAR review of his challenge on David, which was deemed to have denied the Atletico forward a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Atletico had taken an early lead through Pablo Barrios, who scored in the opening minute after the hosts capitalised on a defensive lapse by the visitors.
Manchester United sought a response, with Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford among those attempting to trouble the Atletico defence, but the visitors failed to convert their chances.
The hosts thought they had extended their advantage before the break when Johnny Cardoso found the net in the 44th minute. However, VAR disallowed the goal following a handball by Marcos Llorente in the build-up.
Lookman’s introduction proved decisive as Atletico secured their first victory of the Champions League league phase, bouncing back from their opening 2-1 defeat away to Liverpool.
Manchester United, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a disappointing result after starting their European campaign with a 4-0 victory over Sabah FK.
