Ademola Lookman Netting on Atlético Madrid's Debut

Ademola Lookman has begun his goal-scoring journey at Atlético Madrid in a stunning manner.

The 28-year-old Nigerian striker found the net on Thursday as Atlético Madrid raced to a 3-0 lead in the first half during their Copa del Rey quarter-final against Real Betis.

The former African Footballer of the Year also contributed with an assist in the latter half as Atlético achieved an emphatic 5-0 victory on the road.

Lookman, who recently transferred from Atalanta, required only 37 minutes to net his debut goal with a composed finish that capped off a strong first half display.

The guests were in dominant form, leading 3-0 at halftime, with earlier goals from Dávid Hancko in the 12th minute and Giovanni Simeone in the 30th minute. Lookman’s goal underscored the team's control at La Cartuja.

After the break, Atlético continued to pressure the Betis defense.

They scored their fourth goal shortly after the hour mark, with Lookman assisting Antoine Griezmann, who fired a shot that slipped through goalkeeper Adrián’s grasp for his fourth Copa del Rey goal this season.

With a spot in the semi-finals secured, head coach Diego Simeone made several substitutions. One of the substitutes, Thiago Almada, concluded the scoring with the fifth goal seven minutes from the end after Adrián had saved Griezmann’s initial attempt.

Lookman’s successful debut, featuring a goal and an assist, is anticipated to enhance his confidence as he acclimatizes to life in La Liga and adapts to Simeone's rigorous style.

According to Opta, Lookman is the first Atlético player to debut as a starter against a La Liga opponent with both a goal and an assist in any competition since at least the 2013/14 season.

For Atlético, this match represented another powerful performance in a tournament they are keen to reclaim. For Nigeria, it signifies Lookman’s rising impact on Europe's premier stages.

Prior to the match, Lookman expressed his enthusiasm on social media after receiving the number 22 jersey, stating that he was proud to embark on a new chapter with the club and ready to give his all on the pitch.