Atletico Madrid booked their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Thursday night with a dominant 5-0 victory away to Real Betis, as new recruit Ademola Lookman marked his first appearance for the club with a goal.
Diego Simeone’s side now joins defending champions Barcelona, 2024 winners Athletic Bilbao, and Real Sociedad in the last four of Spain’s domestic cup.
A relentless first-half display in Seville laid the foundation for Atletico’s emphatic win, with the visitors surging into a 3-0 lead through strikes from David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, and Lookman.
The 28-year-old Nigerian completed a deadline-day move to Atletico from Serie A side Atalanta in a deal reportedly worth 40 million euros ($47 million).
The reigning African Footballer of the Year wasted little time making an impact, opening his Atletico account by finishing a swift counterattack. Lookman skipped past two defenders before squeezing his effort beyond goalkeeper Adrian in the 37th minute.
Antoine Griezmann effectively settled the quarter-final shortly after the hour mark, once again benefiting from Lookman’s blistering pace on the break, as the Nigerian set up the former World Cup winner for a composed left-footed finish.
Thiago Almada added a late fifth to crown a commanding performance at La Cartuja by the La Liga side, who currently sit third in the league standings.
Elsewhere in the competition, Athletic Bilbao edged past struggling Valencia 2-1 on Wednesday thanks to a dramatic 96th-minute winner from Inaki Williams. Sadiq Umar had earlier found the net at both ends in the first half for the hosts before Williams’ decisive late intervention.
Basque rivals Real Sociedad also progressed after a thrilling 3-2 away win over Alaves. The visitors were trailing 2-1 with less than 15 minutes remaining before goals from Goncalo Guedes and Orri Oskarsson turned the tie around.
Barcelona sealed their semi-final spot on Tuesday with a tense 2-1 victory at second-tier Albacete, with goals from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo proving just enough.
What you should know
Ademola Lookman’s debut goal for Atletico Madrid underlines the club’s intent to strengthen their attacking options as they chase silverware this season.
Signed from Atalanta after excelling in Serie A and winning the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award, Lookman brings speed, directness and experience to Diego Simeone’s side.
Atletico’s comprehensive win over Real Betis highlights their growing momentum in domestic competitions, setting up a high-quality Copa del Rey semi-final lineup alongside Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad.
