Ademola Lookman scored on his Atletico Madrid debut in a 5-0 defeat to Real Betis on Thursday that sent Diego Simeone’s team to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.
David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada also scored for Atletico as they advanced to the last four for the third season in a row.
Atletico will look to reach its first Copa final since last winning the competition in 2012-13.
The draw for the semi-finals – which also includes Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad – will take place on Friday.
Hancko opened the scoring for the visitors in the 12th minute and Giuliano Simeone added the lead in the 30th before Lookman scored his first goal for Atletico after a quick breakaway in the 37th.
“I’m very, very happy and very proud to make my debut tonight, especially the team’s performance,” said Lookman, who had only a few more training sessions before being added to the starting line-up. «It’s clear that the team, the staff and everyone welcomed me very kindly. It made it easy for me to settle into my place.»
Griezmann scored the fourth goal in the 62nd – with an assist from Lookman – and Almada closed the scoring in the 83rd.
“He came to help us and hopefully we can help him so he can continue to improve,” coach Simeone said of Lookman. «He has different qualities than the players we have and that will make us better.»
Lookman signed from Atalanta towards the end of the winter transfer window. The 28-year-old Nigerian forward had requested to leave Atalanta, citing broken promises and poor treatment.
“We always open the doors from the beginning to everyone who arrives here,” Griezmann said. «We have to enjoy this new player and hope they help us as much as they did tonight.»
Mexican midfielder Obed Vargas also made his Atletico debut after being signed by the Seattle Sounders. He came off the bench in the 79th to replace Lookman. A new winter signing from Atletico, midfielder Rodri Mendoza, came in the 66th.
Atletico and Betis will meet again on Sunday in the Spanish league, with Atletico as host. Atletico are third in the league, with Betis in fifth place, just 10 points behind Atletico.
On Wednesday, Iñaki Williams scored six minutes into stoppage time as Athletic Bilbao won 2-1 at Valencia to reach their sixth Copa semi-final in seven seasons, while Basque rivals Real Sociedad reached the last four for the third season in a row with a 3-2 win at Alaves.
Barcelona defeated second division club Albacete 2-1 on Tuesday. Albacete had eliminated Real Madrid in the round of 16.
Published on February 6, 2026
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