Ademola Lookman announced himself in spectacular fashion as Atletico Madrid cruised to a dominant 5-0 victory over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey quarter final at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville, sealing a place in the semi finals and marking the Nigerian forward’s 100th career goal.
Diego Simeone’s side took control of the contest early and never looked back, showing ruthless efficiency in front of goal against a Betis team that struggled to cope with Atletico’s pace, movement and intensity. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Dávid Hancko rose highest to head home from close range after a precise delivery from Koke on the left following a corner.
Atletico continued to press and nearly doubled their advantage midway through the half when Lookman latched onto a cleverly worked free kick, but his effort flew over the bar. The visitors made no mistake in the 30th minute as Giuliano Simeone finished a slick team move from the centre of the box after a low cut back by Matteo Ruggeri, with Lookman heavily involved in the build up.
Seven minutes later, Ademola Lookman opened his Atletico account in emphatic style. A lightning counter attack saw Pablo Barrios release the Super Eagles star, who drove at the Betis defence, skipped past three defenders and fired a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 3-0 before half time.
Atletico carried their momentum into the second half and struck again in the 62nd minute. Ademola Lookman led another rapid break, using clever footwork to beat his marker before laying the ball perfectly into the path of Antoine Griezmann, whose left footed strike squeezed past goalkeeper Adrián to extend the lead.
The scoring was completed late on when Thiago Almada capped a commanding team display. After Griezmann’s initial effort was saved, Almada reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and make it 5-0, underlining Atletico’s superiority on the night.
Ademola Lookman was withdrawn in the 79th minute to warm applause, making way for fellow January signing Orbelín Vargas. He finished the match with five shots, two big chances missed, 38 completed passes from 44 attempts, 64 touches and three successful dribbles from five, rounding off an outstanding debut performance.
Real Betis, winners of the competition in 2022, had reached the quarter finals after defeating Elche in the previous round but were outclassed by an Atletico side that have now won seven of the last nine meetings between the two teams. With the Copa del Rey shaping up as their clearest path to silverware this season, Simeone’s men will await Friday’s semi final draw, scheduled to take place at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas.
