Atletico Madrid’s striker, Ademola Lookman strengthened his reputation in Spanish football on a historic night for Nigerian football by being the first Nigerian to score in the coveted Madrid derby.
On Sunday, March 22, 2026, during his La Liga derby debut against Real Madrid, the Super Eagles star, who joined Diego Simeone’s team in a high-profile transfer from Atalanta, achieved the feat. As the eighth Atletico player in the twenty-first century to score in their debut derby appearance, a record formerly held by Luciano Vietto since October 2015, Lookman’s achievement also put him in a select group.
A brilliant attacking move that displayed Atletico’s tactical discipline resulted in the first goal in the 33rd minute. Lookman finished calmly following a clever backheel assist from Giuliano Simeone, driving into the box with clinical accuracy.
The goal gave the visitors a 1-0 lead going into halftime and silenced the Santiago Bernabéu. But the Los Blancos hosts responded fiercely in the second half.
Nahuel Molina’s stunning long-range effort momentarily tied the score, but Vinicius Junior’s brace and Federico Valverde’s late goal gave Real Madrid a 3-1 victory, bringing them closer to league leaders Barcelona.
