Atletico Madrid booked a place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with a dominant 5–0 victory over Real Betis on Thursday, as new signing Ademola Lookman marked his debut with a goal.
Diego Simeone’s side produced a blistering first-half display in Seville, racing into a 3–0 lead through goals from David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone and Lookman.
The Nigerian forward, who joined Atletico from Atalanta on deadline day for a reported €40 million, wasted no time in making an impact. The 2024 African Player of the Year scored in the 37th minute, dribbling past two defenders before firing past goalkeeper Adrian to cap a swift counter-attack.
Antoine Griezmann extended Atletico’s lead shortly after the hour mark, finishing off another counter-attack set up by Lookman. Thiago Almada added a late fifth to complete a convincing performance by the La Liga side.
Atletico now join Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad in the last four of the competition.
Elsewhere, Athletic Bilbao edged Valencia 2–1 on Wednesday thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Inaki Williams. Sadiq Umar had earlier scored at both ends for Valencia in the first half.
Real Sociedad also progressed after a dramatic 3–2 comeback win against Alaves, overturning a late deficit with goals from Goncalo Guedes and Orri Oskarsson.
Barcelona secured their semi-final place on Tuesday with a tense 2–1 win over second-tier Albacete, with goals from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo.
