Ademola Lookman is confident that Atletico Madrid will come out victorious in their Champions League semifinal first leg clash against Arsenal on Wednesday.
The Spanish side welcome the Gunners to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano for their first leg meeting this week, before the return leg at the Emirates next week.
Arsenal thrashed Atletico 4-0 when both sides met in the league-phase earlier in the campaign, but the Gunners form has dropped since that meeting and Atletico can fancy their chances of progressing from this clash.
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Los Rojiblancos edged Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate in their quarter-final clash and have already eliminated an English side in the knockout phase already this season, beating Tottenham Hotspur 7-5 over both legs in their Round of 16 clash.
Lookman backs Atletico Madrid against Arsenal
Super Eagles forward Lookman has missed Atletico’s last two games across all competitions with an injury, but has recovered just in time for the clash against Arsenal.
While it is unsure if he will be fit enough to start, he is expected to at least play a part in the encounter and is very confident his side will secure a favourable result on the night.
“Atlético is one of the best clubs in the world, with top players, the team is amazing, the fans are also”, Lookman revealed.
“It’s a pleasure to play here, what’s happening to us is being fantastic, I want to help the team.”
The Nigerian forward also hailed Arsenal’s quality and does not expect an easy tie when both teams face-off.
“They’re a tough opponent, a top team, we have to be ready to fight. They are in the Champions League semi-finals, there are no easy rivals at this point. It will be a very tough match.
“It’s emotional for me. I grew up in London. The first time was with the Charlton, being a child. Being from London it is a very special match, but what I want is to win”, he continued.
“As long as we have the fans with us, we’ll have a special power. Having our fans behind us is special, the atmosphere at home, the energy it gives us.
“In the last game in Barcelona, we had the fans outside at the hotel. That feeling is great.
“The first game at home will be great, I hope they give us a lot of strength”, Lookman concluded.
Kickoff for tomorrow’s clash is 8 PM Nigerian time, with the return leg holding next week Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium.
The winner of the clash will then advance to the final, where a tough test against Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain awaits.
