Nigeria international Ademola Lookman scored on his very first appearance for Atletico Madrid, playing a starring role in their commanding 5-0 victory over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey quarter-final on Thursday night.
Signed in the January transfer window from Atalanta in a deal worth around €35m that signals Atletico’s intent to strengthen their attack, the 28-year-old wasted no time justifying his new club’s faith by finding the net in the 37th minute at Estadio La Cartuja in Sevilla.
Lookman’s goal came after a slick attacking move, as he powered into space and fired home to make it 3-0, capping a dominant first half display by Diego Simeone’s side.
The opener in the game was struck earlier by Dávid Hancko, and Giuliano Simeone added the second to put Atletico in full control before Lookman’s moment of magic.
Antoine Griezmann sealed the win with a brace, one of which was assisted by Lookman, emphasising the new man’s influence in the build-up.
This debut goal and assist marks a perfect beginning for Lookman in Atletico red and white and will excite fans who have long awaited a creative spark in the final third.
With this win, Atletico advance to the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and Lookman’s introduction to Spanish football could prove to be one of the most eye-catching transfers of the season.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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