According to a report by Evening Standard on Friday, November 6, 2026, Atletico Madrid could turn to Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman as they prepare for Sunday’s decisive La Liga meeting with Barcelona at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.

The fixture carries major implications for the title race. Barcelona lead the table on 30 points, just two ahead of second-placed Atletico, with both clubs having played 11 matches. Diego Simeone’s side have won nine, drawn one and lost once, scoring 22 goals and conceding eight.

Barcelona, however, arrive with a formidable attacking record, having scored 46 goals in their opening 11 league games. Atletico will therefore need to balance their attacking ambitions with defensive discipline if they are to take advantage of home support.

A possible 4-3-3 selection would place Lookman on the left side of the attack, alongside Giuliano Simeone, with Julián Álvarez leading the line. The proposed team has Jan Oblak in goal, protected by Marc Pubill, Robin Le Normand, Dávid Hancko and Alejandro Grimaldo.

Marcos Llorente, Morten Hjulmand and Pablo Barrios are tipped to form the midfield trio, tasked with disrupting Barcelona’s possession while helping Atletico move quickly into attack.

Lookman’s potential inclusion offers Simeone an option capable of taking on defenders, using pace and dribbling to create openings. From the left, the Nigerian could stretch Barcelona’s back line and link with Álvarez in central areas. His movement may also create room for Giuliano Simeone to contribute from the opposite flank.

Álvarez would lead the forward line, while Alexander Sørloth could provide an alternative from the bench if Atletico need a different attacking presence during the match.

The midfield battle is likely to be important. Llorente, Hjulmand and Barrios would need to close passing lanes, recover possession and prevent Barcelona from controlling the tempo. Atletico’s defenders must also limit spaces behind them, with Oblak’s experience offering support at the back.

Barcelona’s scoring form makes the challenge significant, but Atletico’s league record suggests they have reasons to approach the contest with confidence. A victory would move Simeone’s side above their visitors and give their title challenge a substantial boost.