Atletico Madrid Dominates Real Betis in Copa del Rey Quarterfinals
Atletico Madrid delivered a commanding 5-0 victory over Real Betis on Thursday in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals for the third consecutive season. The rout at Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville showcased Diego Simeone’s side’s attacking prowess and clinical finishing.
Lookman Shines on Atletico Debut
Debutant Ademola Lookman scored in his first match for Atletico Madrid, adding to a dominant performance that saw five different scorers find the back of the net. The 28-year-old Nigerian forward, signed from Atalanta during the winter transfer window, got on the scoresheet in the 37th minute with a breakaway goal.
Goalscorers and Match Breakdown
Dávid Hancko opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Giuliano Simeone doubled the lead in the 30th. After Lookman’s debut goal, Antoine Griezmann added the fourth in the 62nd minute from a Lookman assist, and Thiago Almada closed out the scoring in the 83rd minute.
The betis vs atletico madrid matchup demonstrated the gulf between the two teams, with Betis fielding a weakened squad due to injuries affecting key players including Giovani Lo Celso, Sofyan Amrabat, and Isco.
Road to the Final
Atletico will now await Friday’s semifinal draw, which will also include Barcelona, Athletic Club, and Real Sociedad. The club is chasing its first Copa del Rey title since winning the competition in 2012-13.
The two teams will meet again on Sunday in LaLiga play, with Atletico hosting Betis at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Atletico sits third in the league standings, while Betis occupies fifth place but remains 10 points behind Diego Simeone’s side.
