Copa del Rey: Ademola Lookman scores, assists on debut as Atletico thrash Betis 5-0

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman scored one and assisted another on his Atletico Madrid debut as the Rojiblancos thrashed Real Betis 5-0 to reach the semifinals of the Copa del Rey.
The 28-year-old, who immediately entered the starting line up, also became the first Nigerian player to feature for Atletico Madrid’s first team following his €35 million move from Atalanta to the La Liga side earlier this week.
David Hancko put Atletico Madrid ahead in the 12th minute when he headed home a cross by Koke before Giuliano Simeone doubled the lead for the visitors exactly on the half hour mark as he tapped home a pass by Matteo Ruggeri.
Lookman put his name on the score sheet seven minutes later after he was set up with a clean pass by Pablo Barrios, which the 2024 Africa Footballer of Year calmly controlled, cutting multiple Real Betis’ players before firing the ball into the net.
Antoine Griezmann made it 4-0 in the 62nd minute after Lookman received a counter-attack, dragging the ball into the box before passing it to the France international, who roofed the ball into the top of the net.
Lookman was subsequently replaced by Obed Vargas in the 79th minute. Four minutes later, Thiago Almada sealed the victory for Atletico Madrid after he tapped home a saved ball by goalkeeper Andrian.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Rights
Anambra govt wades promises justice for JSS3 student assaulted by guardian
The Anambra government says justice will be served in the case of an alleged attack on a JSS3 student of Community Secondary School, Agulu, Miracle Amah, by her guardian, Osinachi Edeh.

Economy
FG inaugurates SON board to strengthen industrialisation, attract investment
The federal government has inaugurated the governing board of SON in its efforts to boost industrial growth and attract investment.

Education
400L student of KWASU killed in road crash
The management of Kwara State University, in Malete, has confirmed the death of a 400-level student, Idris Agboluaje, in a road crash in Malete on Wednesday.

States
Road crashes reduced by 39% in Zamfara in 2025, says FRSC
FRSC says it recorded a 38.9 per cent reduction in auto crashes on the major roads of Zamfara in 2025.

Politics
Tinubu, APC leaders meet over party’s national convention scheduled for March
Nentawe Yilwatda, the national chairman of APC, says the party is reviewing preparations for its convention and congresses to ensure inclusivity.

Africa
African Union condemns ‘barbaric’ attack in Kwara
The African Union Commission has condemned the deadly attacks on Nuku and Woro communities in Kwara, which left scores dead and property destroyed.





