Ademola Lookman Stars with Goal and Assist in Stunning Atlético Madrid Debut

Ademola Lookman enjoyed a dream start to his Atlético Madrid career, providing both a goal and an assist as Diego Simeone’s side crushed Real Betis 5-0 in their Copa del Rey quarter-final on Thursday night.

The emphatic away victory at Estadio de La Cartuja secured Atlético’s place in the semi-finals for the third consecutive year.

The 28-year-old Nigerian international, who arrived from Atalanta for €40 million just days ago, was handed a starting role and immediately validated the club’s investment. His performance marked a historic milestone: according to Opta, Lookman is the first Atlético player since the 2013/14 season to record both a goal and an assist while debuting as a starter against a La Liga opponent.

Match Summary: A Clinical Rout

Atlético took complete command of the tie in a relentless first half, scoring three times before the interval.

• Early Breakthrough: Dávid Hancko opened the scoring in the 12th minute, heading home a precise corner from captain Koke.

• Doubling Up: In the 30th minute, Giuliano Simeone (son of manager Diego Simeone) made it 2-0, finishing off a low cross from Matteo Ruggeri.

• The Lookman Moment: Seven minutes later, Lookman announced himself to the Rojiblanco faithful. Latching onto a pass from Pablo Barrios during a swift counter-attack, he exhibited trademark footwork to bypass two defenders before slotting a calm finish past goalkeeper Adrián.

The visitors remained clinical in the second half. In the 62nd minute, Lookman turned provider, showing devastating pace on the break before teeing up Antoine Griezmann, who hammered home the fourth. Substitute Thiago Almada completed the 5-0 scoreline in the 83rd minute, tapping in a rebound after Adrián parried a shot from Griezmann.

Post-Match Reactions

Coach Diego Simeone was full of praise for his new signing, noting that Lookman offers “different qualities” that improve the squad’s attacking fluidity.

“I’m very proud to make my debut tonight. The staff and my teammates have made it so easy for me to settle in. It was a special performance from the whole team.” — Ademola Lookman

The victory was only slightly dampened by an apparent hamstring injury to midfielder Pablo Barrios, who was forced off early in the second half.