Ademola Lookman hailed his first appearance for Atlético Madrid as a “dream start” after delivering a goal and an assist on his debut in a commanding 5–0 victory over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey quarter-final.
The Nigerian winger, who recently sealed his move to the Spanish giants, was named in the starting lineup and quickly made his mark, playing a key role as Diego Simeone’s side cruised into the semi-finals and continued their impressive run in the competition.
‘Everybody’s been great with me’
Speaking after the match, Lookman downplayed the emphatic scoreline and instead highlighted how smoothly he has settled into the team since arriving in Madrid.
“I’m very, very happy,” he said. “It’s been great coming here and being welcomed into the squad. Everybody’s been great with me, so it’s a dream start.”
Atlético had already established control of the match before Lookman got on the scoresheet.
David Hancko opened the scoring with a header from Koke’s corner in the 12th minute, before Giuliano Simeone doubled Atlético’s lead on the half-hour mark.
Lookman then capped his debut with a composed finish before half-time and later set up Antoine Griezmann as Atlético pulled further clear.
Focus on intensity and repetition
Reflecting on his role in Atlético’s attack, Lookman explained that his priority was to remain direct and constantly threaten Betis’ defensive line whenever he had the ball.
“I just try to make them run and be dangerous in those situations,” he said. “It’s about repetition—keep making those runs and movements and always looking to create danger.”
The winger also admitted that the pressure of joining a club of Atlético Madrid’s stature has been a source of motivation rather than a burden.
“I’m very, very happy to be at such a special club,” Lookman added. “That feeling makes me want to work hard and perform.”
Thiago Almada completed the scoring late on, sealing an emphatic 5–0 victory as Atlético booked their place in the semi-finals alongside Barcelona, Real Sociedad, and Athletic Bilbao.
Eyes on Betis rematch
Despite the commanding win, Lookman stressed the need to stay focused ahead of Atlético’s upcoming La Liga clash with Betis.
“We created a lot of chances today, and without the ball we were very strong,” he said. “We won the ball back many times and broke on them, so we just have to stay solid.”
