Lookman hits century as Atlético crush Betis to reach Copa del Rey semis

Lookman hits century as Atlético crush Betis to reach Copa del Rey semis

Ademola Lookman enjoyed a dream start to life at Atlético Madrid, scoring his 100th career goal and setting up another as Diego Simeone’s men demolished Real Betis 5–0 to book a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

The Nigerian forward, who arrived on deadline day, was central to Atlético’s dominant display in Seville, as the visitors ended Betis’ five-match home winning run in emphatic fashion.

Atlético wasted little time asserting themselves. Koke’s corner in the 12th minute was expertly flicked into the net by Dávid Hancko, giving the visitors an early advantage and full control of the contest.

Lookman came close to doubling the lead soon after when he burst through on goal, but his effort drifted wide -a brief let-off for the hosts.

The pressure eventually told midway through the first half. Giuliano Simeone finished off a slick move, tapping in Matteo Ruggeri’s low cross to make it 2–0.

Moments before the break, Lookman delivered his big moment. Latching onto a counter-attacking pass from Pablo Barrios, he weaved past two defenders and coolly fired beyond Adrián, opening his Atlético account and bringing up a personal milestone of 100 professional goals.

Any hopes of a Betis comeback faded quickly after halftime. Abde Ezzalzouzi tested Juan Musso early on, but Atlético soon resumed their dominance. Just after the hour mark, Lookman turned creator, slipping a perfectly weighted pass to Antoine Griezmann, who finished to extend the lead to four.

With the contest effectively over, Simeone introduced fresh legs, and substitute Thiago Almada added the fifth late on after Griezmann’s initial effort was saved.

The comprehensive win sends Atlético into the last four of the Copa del Rey and stretches their unbeaten away run in all competitions to eight matches with Lookman already making a powerful statement.