Nigerian star Ademola Lookman made a sensational comeback from injury on Wednesday night, powering Atlético Madrid to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the opening leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final showdown.
The Super Eagles forward, who arrived at the Spanish club in the winter transfer window, defied fitness worries to complete a full 90 minutes and play a vital part in the hosts’ attacking plans.
The Nigerian subsequently sat out two crucial La Liga ties — the 3-2 defeat to Elche CF and the 3-2 home win over Athletic Bilbao at the Wanda Metropolitano — leaving fans anxious about his readiness for the European showdown.
Arsenal edged ahead late in the first half when Viktor Gyökeres coolly slotted home a penalty.
Persecondnews reports that Lookman twice came agonisingly close to a dream goal, first sending a back-post header just over the bar before firing a 74th-minute effort straight at Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Although the Madrid side could not snatch a first-leg lead, Lookman’s fitness boost offers Diego Simeone a major lift heading into next week’s decisive return at the Emirates Stadium, where both clubs will fight for a place in the final.
The result saw Arsenal extend their unbeaten run in the European Cup and UEFA Champions League to 13 matches, matching their longest-ever streak in the competition – 0-2 win over Athletic Club, 2-0 win over Olympiacos, 4-0 win over Atlético Madrid, 0-3 win over Slavia Prague, 3-1 win over Bayern, 0-3 win over Club Brugge.
Others include, 1-3 win over Inter, 3-2 win over Kairat, 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen, 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, 0-1 win over Sporting CP, 0-0 draw with Sporting CP and the latest 1-1 draw with Atlético Madrid.
Simeone, meanwhile, remains unbeaten in Champions League knockout ties against English opposition at the Vicente Calderón or Riyadh Air Metropolitano, boasting three wins and four draws across seven different opponents —Chelsea, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and now Arsenal.
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