Lookman’s Stunning Debut Goal Sparks Atletico Madrid’s Thrilling Copa Triumph—What’s Next for the Rising Star?

Ademola Lookman wasted no time making his mark with Atletico Madrid, netting a goal in a commanding 5-0 victory over Real Betis that propels Diego Simeone’s squad straight into the Copa del Rey semifinals. It wasn’t just Lookman lighting up the pitch—David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann, and Thiago Almada all found the back of the net, helping Atletico secure their spot in the final four for the third consecutive year. As Atletico eyes their first Copa final appearance since 2013, the drama is just unfolding, with top contenders like Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, and Real Sociedad also in the mix. This match wasn’t just a win; it was a statement, signaling Atletico’s relentless pursuit of glory and the immediate impact of their new signing from Atalanta, who’s looking to rewrite his football story. The excitement’s building, and the road ahead is as thrilling as ever. LEARN MORE

MADRID (AP) — Ademola Lookman scored on his Atletico Madrid debut in a 5-0 rout of Real Betis on Thursday that sent Diego Simeone’s team to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey.

David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada also scored for Atletico as it advanced to the last four for the third straight season.

Atletico will try to reach its first Copa final since winning the competition for the last time in 2012-13.

The draw for the semifinals — which also includes Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad — will be on Friday.

Hancko opened the scoring for the visitors in the 12th minute and Giuliano Simeone added to the lead in the 30th before Lookman got his first goal for Atletico on a breakaway in the 37th. Griezmann scored the fourth goal in the 62nd and Almada closed the scoring in the 83rd.

Lookman was signed from Atalanta near the end of the winter transfer window. The 28-year-old Nigeria forward had requested to leave Atalanta citing broken promises and poor treatment.

Atletico and Betis will meet again on Sunday in the Spanish league, with Atletico as the host. Atletico is third in the league, with Betis in fifth place but 10 points behind Atletico.

On Wednesday, Iñaki Williams scored six minutes into stoppage time as Athletic Bilbao won 2-1 at Valencia to reach its sixth Copa semifinal in seven seasons, while Basque Country rival Real Sociedad made it to the last-four for the third straight season by winning 3-2 at Alaves.

On Tuesday, Barcelona beat second-division Albacete 2-1. Albacete had eliminated Real Madrid in the round of 16.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer