Ademola Lookman features as Atletico Madrid earn late win at Espanyol

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman made his ninth appearance of the campaign as Atletico Madrid claimed a narrow 1–0 victory away to Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday.

Lookman started at the RCDE Stadium and worked diligently on the flank during the first half, but was withdrawn at half-time as Diego Simeone changed his approach for the second period.

Atletico Madrid dominated possession, recording 72% of the ball and 15 shots, as they sought to maintain their position near the top of the La Liga table. Espanyol, however, made life difficult for the visitors by defending in a disciplined 5-4-1 low block.

The home side successfully frustrated Atletico Madrid for most of the match, with the visitors unable to turn their control of possession into a goal. Simeone eventually looked to his substitutes to find a way through.

Julian Alvarez helped raise the tempo after coming on and played a key role in the decisive move. He combined with fellow substitute Alex Baena, who delivered the moment Atletico Madrid had been searching for.

With the match appearing likely to finish level, Baena broke the deadlock in the 89th minute. He struck past Espanyol goalkeeper Angel Fortuno to secure all three points for the visitors.

The result gives Atletico Madrid a hard-earned 1–0 win and keeps them firmly in contention near the top of the standings. Their persistence was rewarded on an afternoon when Espanyol’s defensive organisation appeared set to earn a valuable point.