By Our Football Correspondent in Seville
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN enjoyed a dream debut as Atletico Madrid turned the Copa del Rey into a clinical coronation, smashing five past a helpless Real Betis.
The Nigerian superstar, fresh from his big-money move from Atalanta, took just 37 minutes to announce himself to the Rojiblanco faithful, scoring a stunning solo goal and later turning provider for Antoine Griezmann.
In a night of utter dominance at the Estadio de la Cartuja, Diego Simeone’s side didn’t just knock on the door of the semi-finals—they blew the hinges off.
Quick-Fire Start
The rout began in the 12th minute when David Hancko rose highest to glance home a Koke corner.
Betis, who had won their last five home matches, looked shell-shocked.
The pressure didn’t let up.
On the half-hour mark, Giuliano Simeone—son of the boss—poked home a cross from Matteo Ruggeri to make it 2-0.
The Lookman Show
Then came the moment the traveling fans had waited for.
Ademola Lookman, showing exactly why Atleti shelled out €40m for his services, received a pass from Pablo Barrios, danced past two defenders, and curled a delicious finish into the bottom corner.
But the 2024 African Footballer of the Year wasn’t done.
In the second half, he turned architect, racing clear on a counter-attack before unselfishly teeing up Antoine Griezmann to smash home the fourth.
Substitute Thiago Almada applied the final coat of gloss in the 83rd minute, reacting quickest to a rebound to make it 5-0.
While Betis fans headed for the exits early, the Madridistas were left dreaming of silverware. Atleti now join Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, and Real Sociedad in the final four.
The only cloud on an otherwise perfect night for Simeone was a hamstring injury to midfield engine Pablo Barrios, who limped off early in the second half.
Match Summary
Score: Real Betis 0-5 Atletico Madrid
Scorers: Hancko (12′), G. Simeone (30′), Lookman (37′), Griezmann (62′), Almada (83′)
Man of the Match: Ademola Lookman