Atletico Madrid booked a place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night after a dominant 5-0 victory over Real Betis in Seville, with new signing Ademola Lookman finding the net on his debut for the club.
Diego Simeone’s men became the latest team to reach the last four, joining defending champions Barcelona, 2024 winners Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad in the race for the trophy.
The visitors all but settled the tie in the first half with an explosive display that saw them storm into a 3-0 lead.
David Hancko opened the scoring before Giuliano Simeone doubled Atletico’s advantage. Lookman then capped an impressive debut by adding the third goal to complete a one-sided opening 45 minutes.
The 28-year-old Nigerian joined Atletico on deadline day from Serie A outfit Atalanta on a reported 40-million-euro ($47 million) deal.
And Lookman, the 2024 African player of the year, took hardly any time at all to open his account as he finished off a counter-attack by dribbling round two defenders and squeezing a shot past goalkeeper Adrian on 37 minutes.
Antoine Griezmann wrapped up the quarter-final tie shortly after the hour as Lookman again displayed his devastating pace on the counter this time to tee up the 2018 World Cup winner for a left-footed finish.
Thiago Almada struck late to cap off a fine performance at La Cartuja by the third-placed side in La Liga.
On Wednesday, a 96th-minute winner courtesy of Inaki Williams edged Athletic Bilbao through their quarter-final clash at struggling Valencia 2-1.
Sadiq Umar had earlier scored at both ends for the hosts in the first half before Williams’ late show.
Their Basque Country rivals Real Sociedad also edged through thanks to a 3-2 win at neighbours Alaves.
The visitors found themselves trailing 2-1 inside the final 15 minutes before goals by Goncalo Guedes and Orri Oskarsson flipped the tie on its head.
Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo’s goals helped Barcelona reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a nervy 2-1 win at second-tier Albacete on Tuesday.
