Dream Debut: Lookman Scores and Assists in Atletico Rout of Betis

Dream Debut: Lookman Scores and Assists in Atletico Rout of Betis

By Admin 

Ademola Lookman made a dream start to his Atletico Madrid career, scoring and providing an assist in a commanding 5–0 victory over Real Betis on Thursday to secure a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

The 25-year-old Nigerian international, who completed his move from Serie A side Atalanta earlier this week, delivered an impressive debut performance as Diego Simeone’s side overwhelmed Betis at the La Cartuja Stadium in Seville.

Goals from David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann, Thiago Almada and Lookman sealed a dominant win and condemned Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis to a heavy home defeat.

Atletico took control early and opened the scoring in the 12th minute when captain Koke’s pinpoint corner was met by Hancko, whose powerful header proved too strong for Betis goalkeeper Adrian.

Lookman was lively from the outset and came close to extending the lead on two occasions in the first half. He missed the target from a one-on-one chance in the 16th minute and fired over the bar with a first-time effort eight minutes later.

The second goal arrived in the 30th minute following a slick passing move down the left flank. Matteo Ruggeri found Alex Baena, who exchanged passes with Lookman before delivering a low cross for Giuliano Simeone to smash home from close range.

Lookman eventually got his reward in the 37th minute. Showing strength and composure, the reigning African Footballer of the Year shrugged off a defender, beat another inside the box and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner.

Atletico continued to dominate after the break and added a fourth goal in the 62nd minute. Lookman led a counter-attack through the centre, drawing defenders before laying the ball off to Griezmann, who curled a superb effort into the top corner.

Substitute Thiago Almada completed the rout in the 83rd minute, reacting quickest to a rebound after Adrian parried Baena’s angled shot.

The victory was slightly dampened by an injury to midfielder Pablo Barrios, who was forced off early in the second half after appearing to suffer a hamstring problem.

Speaking after the match, Griezmann praised the team’s cohesion and welcomed Lookman’s impact.

“We are a team, a dressing room, a club and a fan base that are very easy-going. Anyone who joins us is welcomed with open arms, and we can see that with Lookman. Let’s enjoy him and hope he brings us joy,” he told Movistar Plus.

Atletico will now await the semi-final draw on Friday, with Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad also through to the last four. The two-legged semi-finals will be played between February 10–12 and March 3–5.