Ademola Lookman Makes History With Goal and Assist on Dream Atletico Madrid Debut as Los Colchoneros Crush Real Betis 5-0 in Copa del Rey

Ademola Lookman marked his Atletico Madrid debut with a historic performance on February 5, 2026, scoring one goal and providing one assist as Los Colchoneros demolished Real Betis 5-0 in their Copa del Rey quarter-final clash at La Cartuja Stadium. The Nigerian international, who recently completed his move from Atalanta, needed just 37 minutes to open his account with a calm finish, setting a remarkable record in the process. Lookman became the first Atletico player to debut as a starter against LaLiga opposition with both a goal and an assist in any competition since at least the 2013-14 season, according to club statistics.

The 27-year-old Super Eagles forward was thrust straight into Diego Simeone's starting lineup for the high-stakes quarter-final tie, and he repaid the manager's faith with a masterclass performance. Beyond his goal contribution, Lookman demonstrated the pace, directness, and technical quality that made him one of Europe's most sought-after attackers during the winter transfer window. His movement caused constant problems for the Betis defense throughout his time on the pitch. After the match, an elated Lookman described the experience as "a dream start," praising the warm reception he received from his new teammates and coaching staff.

Ademola Lookman was not the only scorer in Atletico's emphatic victory, as Diego Simeone's side produced one of their most dominant performances of the season. Dávid Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann, and Thiago Almada also found the net in the comprehensive rout. The result sends Atletico to the Copa del Rey semi-finals for the third consecutive season, maintaining their quest for domestic cup glory. The convincing nature of the victory demonstrates Atletico's championship credentials and their determination to challenge on multiple fronts this season.

Lookman's arrival at Atletico Madrid comes after an impressive spell at Atalanta, where he established himself as one of Serie A's most dangerous attacking players. His decision to join the Spanish capital club represents a significant coup for Simeone, who has been looking to add more creativity and goal threat to his squad. The seamless integration into Atletico's system, evidenced by his immediate impact, suggests the transition period will be minimal. Atalanta President Luca Percassi acknowledged the difficulty of losing such a talented player but emphasized the need to focus on football and moving forward.

The 5-0 demolition of Real Betis sends a clear message to Atletico's rivals that they remain serious contenders for the Copa del Rey trophy. With Lookman hitting the ground running and the team clicking into gear at the perfect moment, Los Colchoneros will fancy their chances in the semi-finals. The Nigerian international's record-breaking debut has already endeared him to the Atletico faithful, and if he can maintain this level of performance, he could prove to be one of the signings of the season. Simeone will be delighted to have such a potent attacking weapon at his disposal as the business end of the campaign approaches.

For Lookman personally, the debut could not have gone better. After making the bold move to one of Europe's biggest clubs, he answered any questions about his ability to perform at the highest level with a statement performance. His combination of pace, skill, and composure in front of goal makes him a perfect fit for Atletico's counter-attacking style. As the team prepares for the semi-final stage, fans will be hoping this is just the beginning of a successful partnership between the Super Eagles star and Los Colchoneros.