Atletico Madrid stormed into the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Thursday after a commanding 5–0 victory over Real Betis in Seville, with new signing Ademola Lookman marking his debut with a superb goal.
The emphatic win sees Diego Simeone’s men join defending champions Barcelona, 2024 winners Athletic Bilbao, and Real Sociedad in the last four of the competition.
Atletico were unstoppable in the first half, racing to a 3–0 lead through goals from David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, and Lookman, whose dazzling display instantly endeared him to Rojiblanco fans.
The 28-year-old Nigerian forward, who joined from Atalanta on transfer deadline day in a deal reportedly worth €40 million ($47 million), showcased his trademark flair and composure to score his first goal for the club. On 37 minutes, the 2024 African Player of the Year dribbled past two defenders before slotting past goalkeeper Adrián to make it 3–0.
In the second half, Lookman turned provider, bursting down the flank on a lightning counter-attack to set up Antoine Griezmann, who calmly converted with his left foot to seal the tie just after the hour mark. Thiago Almada added a late fifth to complete the rout and cap a near-perfect night for the third-placed La Liga side.
Elsewhere in the competition, Athletic Bilbao booked their place in the semi-finals on Wednesday after Iñaki Williams scored a dramatic 96th-minute winner to edge out Valencia 2–1. Earlier, Sadiq Umar had scored at both ends in the first half before Williams’ late strike settled the tie.
Real Sociedad also advanced after a thrilling 3–2 comeback win over Alavés, overturning a 2–1 deficit in the final 15 minutes through goals from Gonçalo Guedes and Orri Oskarsson.
Meanwhile, Barcelona secured their semi-final spot on Tuesday with a hard-fought 2–1 win at second-tier Albacete, thanks to goals from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araújo.
