Lookman Makes Champions League History as Atletico Madrid Beat 10-Man Manchester United
Ademola Lookman became only the second Nigerian player to score against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League era after helping Atletico Madrid secure a 2-0 victory over the English club on Tuesday night.
The Super Eagles forward struck in the 79th minute at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano to seal Atletico’s victory after Pablo Barrios had given the Spanish side an early lead.
Lookman’s goal placed him alongside former Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who scored against Manchester United for Israeli club Maccabi Haifa on October 29, 2002.
The achievement comes 23 years and 349 days after Yakubu’s effort, marking another significant moment for Nigerian football on Europe’s biggest club stage.
Barrios Gives Atletico Early Advantage
Atletico made a blistering start, taking the lead after just 53 seconds through Barrios, who finished a move involving Lee Kang-in and Alex Baena.
The early goal exposed Manchester United’s defensive vulnerability and forced the visitors to chase the game against Diego Simeone’s side.
United attempted to respond, with Bryan Mbeumo testing Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak, while Bruno Fernandes struck the crossbar as Michael Carrick’s team searched for an equaliser.
Atletico thought they had doubled their advantage before the interval when Johnny Cardoso found the net, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for handball against Marcos Llorente in the build-up.
Despite United’s attempts to recover, Atletico remained dangerous and continued to create problems for the visitors’ defence.
Lookman Seals Victory After Yoro Red Card
Manchester United’s task became more difficult in the 74th minute when defender Leny Yoro was sent off following a VAR review of his challenge on Jonathan David.
The decision left United with 10 players and gave Atletico an opportunity to capitalise on their numerical advantage.
Lookman had been introduced as a substitute alongside midfielder Morten Hjulmand in the 71st minute, and the Nigerian forward made an immediate impact.
Five minutes after Yoro’s dismissal, David’s effort was saved by United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, but Lookman reacted quickly to the rebound and finished to double Atletico’s lead.
The goal effectively settled the contest, handing Atletico a valuable victory while extending Manchester United’s winless run to five matches, according to Sky Sports.
Lookman Joins Yakubu in Nigerian Football History
Beyond the result, Lookman’s goal carried historical significance for Nigeria.
Yakubu had previously held the distinction of being the only Nigerian player to score against Manchester United in the Champions League era, having found the net for Maccabi Haifa in October 2002.
More than two decades later, Lookman has joined the former Everton and Portsmouth striker on the exclusive list.
The Atletico forward has continued to strengthen his reputation in European football, and his latest contribution underlined his ability to influence major matches from the bench.
For Atletico, the victory provided an important response after their opening Champions League defeat to Liverpool. For Lookman, it was a memorable night that combined a decisive contribution with a place in Nigerian football history.
Final Score: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Manchester United
Goals: Pablo Barrios (1′), Ademola Lookman (79′).
