Ademola Lookman continued his bright start to life at Atletico Madrid, scoring in Saturday’s 4–2 victory over RCD Espanyol to equal a record previously set by Luis Suarez.
The Super Eagles forward found the net for the fourth time since arriving at the club last month, helping Diego Simeone’s side secure all three points at the Estadio Metropolitano. Fresh from a midweek strike against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League, Lookman retained his place in the starting lineup.
Although Atletico entered the contest as clear favourites against an Espanyol side struggling for form, the encounter proved far from straightforward. The visitors stunned the home crowd in the sixth minute when Jofre handed Espanyol an early lead.
Atletico responded through Alexander Sørloth, who restored parity after 15 minutes to ensure the sides went into the break level. Four minutes after the restart, Álex Baena put the hosts in front, shifting momentum firmly in their favour.
Lookman extended the advantage in the 58th minute with his maiden LaLiga goal. Reacting sharply to a flick-on from Sørloth at a corner, the Nigerian forward directed a flying header into the net to make it 3–1.
Sørloth later capped an impressive display by heading home a cross from Matteo Ruggeri in the 72nd minute, sealing Atletico’s fourth of the afternoon. Espanyol pulled one back late on, but the damage had already been done.
Lookman featured for 60 minutes and has now recorded four goals and six assists in just six appearances across all competitions for Atletico. According to OptaJose, no player other than Suárez has matched such a prolific return in their first six outings for the club since the 2013/14 season. Suárez achieved the feat during the 2020/21 campaign after joining from Barcelona, a season that culminated in Atletico lifting the La Liga title.
Attention now turns to a crucial Champions League knockout play-off against Club Brugge, where Lookman will aim to maintain his scoring touch as Atletico pursue European progress.
