Sports

Lookman Marks 100th Career Goal as Atletico Madrid Crush Real Betis

 

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman marked a dream debut for Atletico Madrid by scoring his 100th career goal and registering an assist in a commanding 5-0 Copa del Rey quarter-final victory over Real Betis on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.

Lookman, who joined the Spanish giants during the January transfer window, was handed his first start by coach Diego Simeone and wasted no time making an impact. The 28-year-old produced a sublime finish in the 37th minute to give Atletico a 3-0 lead heading into halftime. He later set up Antoine Griezmann for the fourth goal shortly after the hour mark, further underlining his quality.

This goal also made Lookman the first player in Atletico Madrid’s recent history to score on his debut as a starter against a LaLiga opponent while providing an assist in any competition since at least the 2013/14 season.

“This is a big player who doesn’t need adaptation time,” Simeone said after the match. “He came to help us, and we hope to help him too so that he can continue to grow. He brings qualities that complement our squad and will make us stronger.”

Lookman has now scored on his debut for three consecutive clubs, following similar quick starts at RB Salzburg and Atalanta. His tally for Atletico includes one goal and one assist from his very first game, bringing his career totals to 100 goals and 56 assists across seven professional clubs.

The Nigerian international will be aiming to continue his fine start when Atletico Madrid face Real Betis again in the Spanish La Liga on Sunday.

Olayinka Babatunde

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