Lookman hits target as Atletico overpower Espanyol

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Atletico Madrid delivered a commanding second-half performance to defeat Espanyol 4-2 in their La Liga encounter on Saturday, with Ademola Lookman playing a decisive role as Diego Simeone’s side maintained momentum in the title race.

Despite conceding early, Atletico responded with authority before a crowd of 56,412, turning the contest around through a blend of aerial dominance and clinical finishing.

Espanyol stunned the hosts in the sixth minute when Jofre capitalised on Tyrhys Dolan’s precise pass to slot home and give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

Atletico regrouped quickly. Alexander Sørloth restored parity in the 21st minute, rising to head home from close range after a well-delivered cross by Marcos Llorente.

The home side began to assert control, creating multiple opportunities before the break, though Marko Dmitrovic denied Antoine Griezmann with a fine save to keep the scores level at half-time.

Simeone’s men emerged from the interval with renewed intensity. Giuliano Simeone put Atletico ahead in the 49th minute, finishing confidently after being set up by Alex Baena.

The third goal arrived in the 58th minute when Lookman met a cross with a powerful header that nestled inside the left post, extending Atletico’s lead to 3-1. The Nigerian forward’s movement and timing underlined his growing influence in Simeone’s attacking setup.

Moments later, Sørloth nearly added another, striking the post before eventually heading in his second of the night in the 72nd minute to make it 4-1.

Espanyol refused to give up completely. Exposito pulled one back in the 80th minute with a low drive from the edge of the area, reducing the deficit to 4-2.

Cyril Ngonge also struck the crossbar in a late attempt to spark a comeback, but Atletico held firm.

Lookman was substituted just past the hour mark after an impactful display, with Julian Alvarez introduced to manage the closing stages.