Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has shed light on why he did not start Ademola Lookman in his side's UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg playoff clash against Club Brugge.

Lookman came off the bench as a second-half substitute as the Rojiblancos thumped the Belgian Pro League side 4-1 at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

The 28-year-old made an instant impact with an assist as Atleti edged Brugge 7-4 on aggregate to progress to the next stage of the competition.

In his post-match reaction, Simeone explained that Lookman did not start the game because Norwegian striker Sorloth was selected.

“He [Lookman] didn’t start because Sorloth played.”

Explaining further, Simeone added, “He [Lookman] will improve that [defensive ability] with time; his characteristics are purely offensive.

“Julián was going to work with the team because he knows us better. There are no big names.

“There are players. The game lasts 90 minutes. That is when we saw Griezmann come on in his thirties.”

WDN