Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman was an unused substitute as his Atletico Madrid side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in La Liga on Sunday night.

The Spanish champions came from a goal down to beat Diego Simeone’s side at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in a crucial Matchday 12 fixture.

Giuliano Simeone gave the home side an early lead in the ninth minute before Fermín López equalised for the Catalans just before half-time.

López later grabbed the winner in the 66th minute after a sublime assist from Lamine Yamal to complete the turnaround for Hansi Flick’s team.

From a Nigerian perspective, it was disappointing to see Lookman remain on the bench for the entire game.

The 29-year-old has been a pale shadow of himself this season, registering just one La Liga goal in 11 appearances for the Rojiblancos.

The former African Footballer of the Year has made nine La Liga starts this term, registering just three shots on target.

Despite his impressive record against Barcelona since joining Atletico Madrid, Lookman had to settle for a place on the bench in one of the club’s most important fixtures of the season.

With players such as Álex Baena and Giuliano Simeone in good form, the former Atalanta forward will have to step up his game to reclaim his starting spot in Diego Simeone’s team.