Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman declares readiness for Real Madrid showdown

Atletico Madrid attacker Ademola Lookman has declared his outfit readiness for the high-stakes La Liga showdown against Real Madrid.

Lookman is expected to feature when the side host Real Madrid in the first Madrid derby of the 2026/27 La Liga season at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday.

The Nigerian forward has already demonstrated his ability to trouble Real Madrid, having scored twice in three previous meetings with the Spanish giants. However, despite his individual contributions, Lookman has been on the losing side in all three encounters.

His first meeting with Real Madrid came in the 2024 UEFA Super Cup, when he represented Atalanta in their 2-0 defeat to Carlo Ancelotti’s side in Warsaw. Lookman played the entire match as Real Madrid claimed the trophy.

The Nigerian produced a much stronger individual performance when Real Madrid travelled to Bergamo four months later for a UEFA Champions League clash.

Although Atalanta eventually suffered a 3-2 defeat, Lookman found the back of the net and delivered an impressive display against the European champions. His performance was recognised with the UEFA Player of the Match award.

Following his move to Atletico Madrid, Lookman faced Real Madrid again in his first Madrid derby at the Santiago Bernabeu in March.

The 28-year-old gave Atletico a dream start by opening the scoring, but Real Madrid fought back to win 3-2. The goal was Lookman’s second in three appearances against the Spanish giants.

Atletico will therefore be determined to avoid another defeat against their neighbours when the two sides meet at the Metropolitano, particularly after Real Madrid won their most recent derby meeting.

Diego Simeone’s team, however, have already shown that they can produce dominant performances against their city rivals. Atletico recorded a stunning 5-2 victory over Real Madrid at the Metropolitano last season and will hope to draw inspiration from that result.

Lookman has also continued to grow in importance within Simeone’s plans because of his versatility in attack.

The Nigeria international has been deployed in several positions this season, operating from the left wing, through the middle and in a supporting striker role. He has scored once in seven appearances so far.

His ability to adapt to different attacking roles has also become an important part of his development, with Lookman believing that his versatility can help him become a more complete player.

Ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated derby, the Nigerian acknowledged the quality of Real Madrid but insisted Atletico are prepared for the challenge.

“They are a first-class team. We know that facing such a good team will definitely be a tough fight,” Lookman told Sporty TV.

“But we are ready for the challenge. Our team also has many excellent players, so we are looking forward to this challenge.”

Atletico head into the encounter sitting fourth in the La Liga table with 13 points from six matches, having recorded four victories, one draw and one defeat.

Simeone’s men have recovered strongly after a difficult start to September, which saw them suffer consecutive defeats against Athletic Bilbao and Liverpool.

They responded with a convincing 3-0 victory over Real Sociedad before producing another impressive display in their latest outing, defeating Osasuna 4-0.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, occupy second place with 15 points, three behind league leaders Barcelona.

Jose Mourinho’s side go into the derby on the back of a 3-2 victory over Elche. That result came after a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis earlier in September, while they also recorded victories over Inter Milan and Rayo Vallecano.

With only two points separating Atletico and Real Madrid in the standings, the derby carries significant importance for both sides.

For Lookman, the fixture represents another opportunity to continue his impressive personal record against Real Madrid, while also helping Atletico secure a result in one of the most anticipated matches of the Spanish football season.