**Koundé vs Lookman: Barcelona's Flick Trusts French Defender to Tame Nigerian Winger** The stage is set for a thrilling encounter in the Copa del Rey semi-finals as Barcelona face off against Atlético Madrid on Thursday. The two La Liga powerhouses are no strangers to each other, with the Catalan giants seeking to continue their dominance over their opponents. But one man who could make all the difference is Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman, who has been making waves since joining Atlético Madrid on a €35 million deadline-day deal. Lookman's impressive debut in the Copa del Rey, where he scored a goal and provided an assist in a 5-0 thrashing of Real Betis, has sparked excitement among football fans. His pace, direct running, and sharp finishing make him a nightmare for defenders. But Barcelona's head coach Hansi Flick is undaunted, and he expects French defender Jules Koundé to rise to the challenge of stopping Lookman. "Fighting spirit and top-notch mentality" are the qualities that Flick has praised in Koundé, who he believes has the resilience needed to handle the Nigerian winger's threat. Koundé's experience in big games will be tested, but Flick is confident that he will show his mettle against Lookman. The two teams have a rich history, with Barcelona enjoying a significant upper hand in their recent meetings. The Catalan giants have won eight of the last ten encounters between the sides and remain unbeaten in their last eight Copa del Rey clashes with Atlético. However, Lookman's reputation in knockout competitions is no joke, having been involved in five goals across eight FA Cup appearances in England. As the two teams face off in the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, one thing is certain - it will be a battle for the ages. Will Koundé be able to tame Lookman's firepower, or will the Nigerian winger prove to be the game-changer that Atlético Madrid need to dethrone the defending champions? Only time will tell. **The Implications** This encounter has significant implications for both teams. A win for Barcelona will see them one step closer to retaining their Copa del Rey title, while a victory for Atlético Madrid will give them a much-needed boost in their bid to dethrone the defending champions. For Lookman, a strong performance will cement his place as one of the most exciting young players in the league. And for Koundé