Lookman scores on debut as Atletico Madrid rout Real Betis to reach Copa del Rey semifinals

Atletico Madrid delivered a commanding performance, scoring three first-half goals to secure a dominant 5-0 victory over Real Betis and advance to the Copa del Rey semifinals. The win extends Atletico’s impressive unbeaten away streak to eight matches across all competitions.

Despite entering the match on a five-game home winning streak, Real Betis nearly took an early lead. Just six minutes in, winger Abde Ezzalzouzi controlled a long pass and sent a curling shot narrowly wide of the post.

However, it was Atletico who struck first. In the 12th minute, captain Koke delivered a corner to the near post, where David Hancko headed home his second goal of the season to open the scoring.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates

The visitors almost doubled their advantage four minutes later when debutant and deadline-day signing Ademola Lookman broke through on goal, but he pulled his shot wide. Betis missed a chance to equalize when Nelson Deossa fired wide from the edge of the box, a mistake they would soon regret.

Giuliano Simeone, who also scored at the Estadio La Cartuja in a LaLiga match in October, found the net again. He tapped in a cutback from Matteo Ruggeri after a swift attack down the left flank, making it 2-0.

Lookman then made his mark eight minutes before halftime. Receiving a pass from Pablo Barrios, the new signing cut inside past two defenders and fired a shot past goalkeeper Adrian to cap off a blistering counter-attack and open his account for the club.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates

Betis, who had scored in 28 of their last 29 Copa del Rey matches, struggled to respond. Ezzalzouzi had an opportunity shortly after the restart but sent a weak shot directly at keeper Juan Musso.

Atletico remained relentless and added a fourth goal just after the hour mark. Lookman set up Antoine Griezmann, who blasted a shot through Adrian’s hands for his fourth goal of the cup campaign.

With the semifinal spot all but guaranteed, manager Diego Simeone made several substitutions. One of the replacements, Thiago Almada, added the fifth goal seven minutes from time, converting a rebound after Adrian had saved Griezmann’s initial shot.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates

The result marks Atletico’s 11th win in their last 14 encounters with Betis and hands Manuel Pellegrini’s side only their fourth home loss of the season. The two teams are set for a quick reunion, as Betis will travel to face Atletico in a LaLiga fixture on Sunday.