Ademola Lookman scored and assisted on his Atlético Madrid debut as Diego Simeone’s side thrashed Real Betis 5-0 to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Ademola Lookman enjoyed a dream start to life at Atlético Madrid as his debut goal helped seal a 5-0 win over Real Betis and send Diego Simeone’s side into the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
The Nigerian forward was one of several standout performers on a dominant night that also featured goals from Dávid Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada.
Atlético asserted control early and opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Hancko, who finished confidently after sustained pressure inside the Betis box.
Betis struggled to settle as Atlético pressed high and moved the ball sharply. The hosts doubled their advantage on the half-hour when Giuliano Simeone arrived to finish a cutback from close range.
Lookman announced himself moments later with a devastating breakaway finish. Released into space, he drove into the area and beat Adrián San Miguel with a precise shot off the post in the 37th minute.
The goal capped a blistering first-half display from the winger, who was making his first appearance since completing his move from Atalanta late in the winter window.
Atlético resumed after the break with the same authority and limited Betis to few clear openings. Griezmann added the fourth goal in the 62nd minute after racing onto a Lookman pass on the counter.
Thiago Almada completed the scoring late on, finishing calmly in the 83rd minute as Atlético continued to stretch a tiring Betis defence.
The margin of victory reflected Atlético’s dominance across the pitch. Simeone’s side created chances consistently and showed clinical efficiency in front of goal throughout the contest.
Lookman was directly involved in three goals, scoring once and assisting Griezmann. Atlético have now reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals for a third consecutive season. The win keeps Atlético on course for their first Copa del Rey final since lifting the trophy in 2013.
Hancko’s early opener settled nerves and set the platform for control. Giuliano Simeone’s movement caused problems throughout, while Lookman’s pace stretched Betis repeatedly. Griezmann’s composure and Almada’s late finish underlined Atlético’s depth. Betis, by contrast, were unable to recover once the third goal went in before half-time.
Atlético will learn their semi-final opponents at Friday’s draw, with Barcelona, Athletic Club and Real Sociedad also in the hat. Simeone’s side will now turn their focus back to LaLiga. They host Betis again on Sunday in league action, holding a firm grip on third place. For Lookman, attention will shift to building momentum after a near-perfect introduction.
In LaLiga, Atlético sit third and remain in the Champions League places after a strong winter run. For Simeone, the performance offered encouragement ahead of a congested schedule, while Lookman’s seamless adaptation hinted at a key role in the decisive months ahead.
The Nigerian forward left the pitch to a standing ovation, a clear sign of the optimism surrounding his arrival in Madrid.
