Ademola Lookman made an instant impact at Atlético Madrid, scoring his 100th senior career goal and supplying an assist as Diego Simeone’s side swept aside Real Betis to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Thursday.
Handed a start just days after completing his move, the Nigeria international delivered a decisive performance as Atlético secured a comfortable win and advanced to the last four of the competition for the third straight season.
Atlético asserted control early and never relinquished it, dominating possession against a Betis side that struggled to contain their movement and intensity.
Early control sets the platform
The breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute when David Hancko headed in from a Koke corner to give Atlético an early advantage.
That goal set the tone for a one-sided contest, with Simeone’s men pressing aggressively and forcing Betis onto the back foot.
Giuliano Simeone doubled the lead on the half-hour mark, finishing from close range after a fluid attacking move that cut through the Betis defence.
The visitors continued to create chances and took a commanding lead into the interval.
Just before the break, Lookman announced himself in emphatic fashion. Pablo Barrios surged forward from midfield before finding the winger, who showed composure and close control to beat his marker and guide a low finish into the corner for Atlético’s third.
Lookman completes dominant performance
Atlético maintained their intensity after the restart and extended their lead shortly after the hour. Lookman turned provider this time, driving forward on the counter and slipping a reverse pass into the path of Antoine Griezmann, who struck first time to make it 4-0.
With the tie effectively settled, Simeone began to rotate his squad. Lookman was withdrawn to applause in the 79th minute, making way for Obed Vargas, while Atlético continued to dictate the game.
The victory confirmed Atlético’s place in the semi-finals alongside Barcelona, Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao, with the draw scheduled for Friday. The next round will be contested over two legs.
Attention now turns back to La Liga, where Atlético will face Real Betis again on Sunday.
Simeone’s side return home aiming to extend their strong league form and build on a debut performance from Lookman that that yielded immediate value to the club.
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