Get Guardian on GoogleSuper Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, had a debut to remember after bagging a goal and assist to help Atlético Madrid maul Real Betis 5-0 in the Copa Del Rey quarter-final.
Atlético, on Monday officially confirmed the signing of Lookman, on a permanent transfer from Atalanta until 30 June 2030.
The club’s head coach, Diego Simeone, decided to name the Nigerian international in his starting line-up against Betis and Lookman repaid the Argentine’s faith in him.
He delivered a virtuoso performance, scoring a goal and contributing an assist in the huge win as Atletico cruised into the semi-final of the competition for the third consecutive season.
Atletico took the lead in the 12th minute through David Hancko who jumped highest to head home Koke’s corner, while Giuliano Simeone doubled the advantage on the half-hour mark with a close-range finish.
Los Rojiblancos made it 3-0 before the interval when Pablo Barrios drove forward from the midfield before slipping the ball to Lookman, who displayed great composure inside the area, weaving past defenders and calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to register a scoring debut.
Lookman turned provider in the 62nd minute as he led a swift counter-attack, before the Nigerian international delivered a clever reverse pass to Antoine Griezmann, who struck first time to make it 4-0.
Following a blistering performance on his debut, Simeone took Lookman off the pitch for fellow debutant, Obed Vargas, in the 79th minute and shortly after, Thiago Almada added a fifth goal as Atlético completed a comprehensive 5-0 win away to Betis.
