Not even Diego Simeone could have imagined the immediate impact of Ademola Lookman. The Nigerian forward, one of the standout players at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, enjoyed a dream debut with Atlético Madrid, playing a role in three of the five goals in a dominant 5-0 win over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.

Lookman becomes Atlético Madrid’s first Nigerian goalscorer

According to data shared by MisterChip, the former Atalanta winger became the first Nigerian player to score a goal in Atlético Madrid’s entire history.

Against Betis, Lookman was directly involved in three of the five goals. Just before the half-hour mark, Atlético made it 0-2 after a move started by the Nigerian, who delivered a first-time pass to release Matteo Ruggeri down the left flank, before Giuliano Simeone finished the cutback to extend the lead.

Lookman went even further moments later. For the 0-3, he carried the ball into the box, dribbled past defenders, cut inside and beat Adrián San Miguel with a precise shot off the base of the post. It was his first goal for Atlético, scored within 37 minutes of his debut. He later added an assist on the counterattack that led to Antoine Griezmann’s goal for the 0-4.

Álvaro Fidalgo makes Betis debut in difficult return to Spain

On the opposite side, Álvaro Fidalgo, formerly of Real Madrid, returned to Spanish football after five years in Mexico under challenging circumstances.

The midfielder came on as a substitute for Nelson Deossa, but had little chance to influence the match as Betis were already trailing 3-0 at that stage.

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