All eyes will be on the Riyadh Air Metropolitano tonight as Atletico Madrid and Barcelona meet in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, but for Nigerian fans, the spotlight falls squarely on Ademola Lookman. This is exactly the kind of night he moved to Atletico Madrid for.
With La Liga slipping away and Barcelona leading the title race, the Copa del Rey represents Atletico’s best chance of silverware this season. Diego Simeone’s side demolished Real Betis 5-0 in the quarter-finals, with Lookman among the goals, but inconsistency has crept into their recent league form. Tonight offers both revenge and opportunity after Barcelona knocked them out at this exact stage last season.
Barcelona, meanwhile, arrive in ruthless form. Hansi Flick’s side have won six straight matches in all competitions, scoring freely and looking every bit like a team chasing multiple trophies. They already lead La Liga, remain strong in Europe, and are determined to defend their Copa del Rey crown.
This is a clash between two giants, but it could also be the night Ademola Lookman announces himself fully on Spanish football’s biggest stage.
Huge Copa del Rey semi-final tonight ?? pic.twitter.com/CSfxawPexZ
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) February 12, 2026
Lookman’s moment?
Ademola Lookman’s arrival has added a new dimension to Atletico Madrid’s attack, and tonight represents his biggest test yet in Simeone’s system. The Nigerian forward has already shown his impact in the Copa del Rey, scoring in the quarter-final demolition of Real Betis, and his pace and direct running could be Atletico’s most dangerous weapon against Barcelona’s high defensive line.
Simeone is expected to deploy Lookman alongside Antoine Griezmann in attack, a pairing that combines intelligence with explosiveness. Barcelona dominate possession, but they can be vulnerable in transition, and that is exactly where Lookman thrives.
Big players define themselves in big games, and with Atletico needing a result at home before the second leg, this is a perfect stage for Lookman to deliver.
Ademola Lookman scores on his Atletico Madrid debut! ?pic.twitter.com/xgcBaaL5y4
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) February 6, 2026
Barcelona arrive as favourites
Barcelona’s form makes them the team to beat. They sit top of La Liga and have won their last six matches in all competitions, scoring at least twice in each victory. Their attack, led by Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, has been relentless, while their midfield continues to control games with ease.
They also hold the psychological edge. Barcelona have won the last three meetings between the two sides and knocked Atletico out of this competition last season on their way to lifting the trophy.
Even away from home, Flick’s side will back themselves to take control of this tie tonight.
Team news and predicted lineups
Atletico Madrid have a few injury concerns, with Pablo Barrios unavailable due to a thigh injury and Johnny Cardoso sidelined. Marc Pubill and Nicolas Gonzalez remain doubts, but Simeone is expected to name a strong attacking lineup featuring Lookman and Griezmann.
Barcelona are without several key players, including Pedri, Gavi, Andreas Christensen, and Raphinha, while Frenkie de Jong remains a doubt. However, they still possess enough quality in attack, with Lewandowski, Yamal, and Ferran Torres expected to lead the line.
Atletico Madrid predicted lineup: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Mendoza, Koke, Baena; Griezmann, Lookman.
Barcelona predicted lineup: Garcia; Cancelo, Araujo, Garcia, Martin; Bernal, Olmo, Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Torres.
Prediction
Atletico Madrid’s home advantage and defensive organisation will make this a tight contest, but Barcelona’s current form and attacking depth give them the edge. Simeone’s side will likely sit deep and look to release Lookman on the counter, and the Nigerian could play a decisive role if Atletico are to get a result.
However, Barcelona’s attacking consistency and confidence should see them take a narrow first-leg advantage.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-3 Barcelona
Betting angle
This match has all the ingredients for goals. Barcelona have scored at least twice in their last six matches, while Atletico have been strong in this competition and dangerous at home. Not to mention this same match-up ended 5-4 on aggregate to Barca in last season’s semi-final.
Back Both Teams To Score @ 1.41
Back Ademola Lookman score or assist at anytime @ 1.73
