Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman scored one and assisted another on his Atletico Madrid debut as the Rojiblancos thrashed Real Betis 5-0 to reach the semifinals of the Copa del Rey.
The 28-year-old, who immediately entered the starting line up, also became the first Nigerian player to feature for Atletico Madrid’s first team following his €35 million move from Atalanta to the La Liga side earlier this week.
David Hancko put Atletico Madrid ahead in the 12th minute when he headed home a cross by Koke before Giuliano Simeone doubled the lead for the visitors exactly on the half hour mark as he tapped home a pass by Matteo Ruggeri.
Lookman put his name on the score sheet seven minutes later after he was set up with a clean pass by Pablo Barrios, which the 2024 Africa Footballer of Year calmly controlled, cutting multiple Real Betis’ players before firing the ball into the net.
Antoine Griezmann made it 4-0 in the 62nd minute after Lookman received a counter-attack, dragging the ball into the box before passing it to the France international, who roofed the ball into the top of the net.
Lookman was subsequently replaced by Obed Vargas in the 79th minute. Four minutes later, Thiago Almada sealed the victory for Atletico Madrid after he tapped home a saved ball by goalkeeper Andrian.
