Ademola Lookman has hit the ground running in Spain, marking his Atletico Madrid debut with a historic 100th career goal during a dominant 5-0 victory over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. The Nigerian forward, who recently completed a winter move from Atalanta, wasted no time showing the Madrid faithful why he was the club’s top target.
In the 37th minute of the match, Lookman showcased his trademark pace by tearing through the Betis defense and calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner. This milestone makes him the first Nigerian in history to find the net in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, and now the Copa del Rey. Beyond his scoring, Lookman turned provider after the break, setting up Antoine Griezmann with a perfectly timed pass for the team’s fourth goal.
The 28-year-old’s ability to settle in instantly has become something of a trademark; he has now remarkably scored on his debut for his last four clubs, including Everton, RB Leipzig, and Atalanta. Speaking after the game, a visibly happy Lookman credited his teammates for his seamless transition, noting that the warm welcome in the dressing room made it easy for him to perform at such a high level.
Coach Diego Simeone was full of praise for his new signing, describing Lookman as a “different” kind of player who brings a unique edge to the squad. Simeone highlighted the Nigerian’s specialist skills in one-on-one duels and his ability to link up with the rest of the team. The manager expressed hope that the club could help Lookman reach even greater heights while he, in turn, helps the team grow.
Teammate Antoine Griezmann also joined in the accolades, emphasizing the club’s culture of hospitality. The French star noted that every new arrival is embraced by the fans and the squad from the very first second, a factor he believes was evident in Lookman’s stellar performance.
The victory sets up a mouthwatering semi-final clash as Atletico Madrid are now drawn to face Barcelona. The first leg is scheduled to take place in Madrid next week, with the return leg at Camp Nou in early March. While Barcelona holds a record 32 titles and are the current trophy holders, Atletico will be looking to their new Nigerian star to help them chase their 11th crown.
Before his arrival in Spain, Lookman enjoyed his most prolific spell in Italy, where he scored 55 goals for Atalanta. His resume also includes notable strikes against English giants like Manchester City and Liverpool. With this explosive start in Madrid, it appears the Super Eagles forward is ready to add a significant Spanish chapter to his impressive European journey.
