Ademola Lookman has become Nigeria’s third-highest goalscorer in Champions League history after scoring in Atletico Madrid’s 2–1 defeat to FC Barcelona.
Lookman’s goal at the Estadio Metropolitano on Tuesday took his tally to eight in 21 appearances, moving him past Victor Ikpeba, who scored seven.
Only Victor Osimhen with 16 goals and Obafemi Martins with nine have scored more among Nigerians in the competition.
Barcelona had taken early control through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres before Lookman reduced the deficit, finishing from close range after a pass from Marcos Llorente.
Despite the defeat on the night, Atletico progressed 3–2 on aggregate to reach the semi-finals.
Lookman said: “It was a bit of a rollercoaster. Obviously, going 2-0 down was tough, but it was a game of two halves, really.
“We stuck in there, we dug in, and even though we didn’t win tonight, the important thing is that we’re through to the semi-finals.”
Atletico manager Diego Simeone said: “Knocking Barca out in the Champions League quarter-finals isn’t easy. We’ve faced (Lionel) Messi’s Barca, Yamal’s Barca, and we’ve done it.
It’s been 14 years. Seeing the team compete still makes me emotional.
“The players have changed, we’ve started again so many times, and once again we’re among the four best teams in Europe. How good is it to play a Champions League semi-final!”
Atletico Madrid will face either Arsenal FC or Sporting CP in the semi-finals.
Top Nigerian goal scorers in UEFA Champions League history
Victor Osimhen — 16 (Lille, Napoli, Galatasaray)
Obafemi Martins — 9 (Inter Milan, Wolfsburg, Rubin Kazan)
Ademola Lookman — 8 (RB Leipzig, Atalanta, Atletico Madrid)
Victor Ikpeba — 7 (AS Monaco)
Yakubu Aiyegbeni — 7 (Maccabi Haifa)
Emmanuel Emenike — 7 (Spartak Moscow, Fenerbahçe)
Ahmed Musa — 6 (CSKA Moscow)
Nwankwo Kanu — 5 (Ajax, Arsenal)
Samuel Chukwueze — 4 (Villarreal, AC Milan)
Shola Ameobi — 3 (Newcastle United)
