Ademola Lookman sets up Julian Alvarez as Atletico Madrid hold VfB Stuttgart

Ademola Lookman made an immediate impact from the bench as Atletico Madrid fought back to draw 1-1 with VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Super Eagles forward was introduced at half-time, with Atletico trailing after Jamie Leweling had given the German side the lead in the 36th minute. Lookman responded soon after the restart by providing the assist for Julian Alvarez, who finished to bring the visitors level.

Lookman said Atletico had recognised the need to change the course of the match after Stuttgart had made the stronger start.

“They obviously started very well,” he told the club’s media. “A strong team playing away from home is never easy. But we wanted to try to change the tie in the second half, which we did with the goal.”

The 27-year-old also praised Atletico’s resilience after Morten Hjulmand was sent off in the 64th minute, leaving the visitors with 10 men for the remainder of the game.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Atletico maintained their resistance and held on for a point away from home.

“We kept pushing, but unfortunately, we went down to 10 men,” said the former Everton winger. “We dug in, we showed our fight together, stuck together and we take a point away from home.”

Lookman was also confident Alvarez would make the most of the opportunity before delivering the ball into the penalty area. The Nigeria international highlighted the Argentine’s finishing ability and said he expected him to score.

“We just tried to look out for him in the box, he is deadly in the box,” Lookman said. “So, yeah, I knew he would score.”

The assist was Lookman’s key contribution after his half-time introduction, helping Atletico recover from a difficult opening 45 minutes and secure a draw in Stuttgart.

He reserved his final praise for the Atletico supporters who travelled to Germany and continued backing the team throughout the contest, particularly after the dismissal.

“The whole match, we could hear them pushing us throughout the game,” Lookman said. “Especially after the 65th minute, they kept going, and they were even louder. So, thanks to them, thanks for them for the extra energy.”