Atletico Madrid cruised into the Copa del Rey semi-finals after a dominant away victory, highlighted by a debut goal from new signing Ademola Lookman. The Lookman Atletico Copa del Rey performance underlined the club’s ambitions as the Spanish cup last four lineup was completed this week.
The Nigerian forward scored and assisted as Diego Simeone’s side dismantled Real Betis, joining Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, and Real Sociedad in the semi-finals.
Lookman Impresses as Atletico Overpower Real Betis
Atletico sealed a convincing 5-0 win over Real Betis on Thursday in Seville, deciding the quarter-final tie before halftime. Goals from David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, and Ademola Lookman gave the visitors a 3-0 lead inside 45 minutes.
Lookman, who joined Atletico from Atalanta on deadline day for a reported 40 million euros, marked his debut by finishing a swift counter-attack. The 2024 African Player of the Year dribbled past two defenders before squeezing his effort past goalkeeper Adrian in the 37th minute.
Simeone Praises New Signing’s Immediate Impact
Speaking to Movistar, Atletico coach Diego Simeone highlighted Lookman’s smooth adaptation. He said the 28-year-old arrived to strengthen the squad and bring different qualities that could raise the team’s overall level.
Antoine Griezmann added a fourth shortly after the hour mark, finishing a counter-attack set up by Lookman’s pace and movement. Thiago Almada completed the rout late on as Atletico, currently third in La Liga, delivered one of their strongest displays of the season.
Other Copa del Rey Quarter-Final Results
The remaining semi-finalists were confirmed earlier in the week:
• Athletic Bilbao advanced with a 2-1 win at Valencia, sealed by a 96th-minute goal from Inaki Williams.
• Real Sociedad overturned a late deficit to beat Alaves 3-2, with goals from Goncalo Guedes and Orri Oskarsson.
• Barcelona edged second-tier Albacete 2-1, thanks to goals from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo.
Atalanta Eliminate Juventus from Italian Cup
In Italy, Atalanta booked their place in the Coppa Italia semi-finals with a commanding 3-0 home win over Juventus on Thursday. Goals from Gianluca Scamacca, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Mario Pasalic sent the Turin side out of the competition.
Scamacca opened the scoring from the penalty spot just before the half-hour mark. Juventus created chances through Federico Gatti and Weston McKennie but failed to convert, while Francisco Conceicao struck the woodwork.
Substitutes Decide the Tie in Bergamo
Sulemana doubled Atalanta’s lead in the 77th minute, finishing at the back post minutes after coming on. Pasalic added a third just one minute after being introduced, capping a decisive spell for Raffaele Palladino’s side.
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti acknowledged Atalanta’s superiority in key moments, saying his team made poor decisions when it mattered most.
Conclusion:
Atletico Madrid and Atalanta both delivered emphatic statements in domestic cup competitions, with Lookman’s debut goal standing out as a key moment in Spain and Juventus’ exit marking a setback in Italy.
