Ademola Lookman wasted no time reminding Spanish football of his pedigree as the Nigerian forward marked his Atlético Madrid debut with a goal in Thursday night’s Copa del Rey quarter-final clash against Real Betis at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville.
Just four days after completing his move from Atalanta, Lookman found the net for Diego Simeone’s side, scoring Atlético’s third goal in a commanding first-half display that underlined why the club moved swiftly to secure his signature during the winter window.
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The 28-year-old completed his transfer on Monday, trained with his new teammates on Tuesday, and was immediately trusted with his first appearance on Wednesday night. By the 37th minute, he had already delivered, finishing clinically after David Hancko opened the scoring in the 12th minute and Giuliano Simeone doubled Atlético’s advantage in the 30th.
It was a goal that carried Lookman’s familiar trademarks: pace, composure, and ruthless decision-making in the final third, qualities that had made him one of Serie A’s most dangerous attackers over the last three seasons.
Atlético manager Diego Simeone had hinted during his pre-match press conference that Lookman could feature against Betis, and the Argentine tactician’s faith was repaid almost instantly.
Speaking ahead of the match, Simeone spoke glowingly about his new signing and the impact he believes the African Player of the Year can have on the squad.
“Three important players have arrived. We are going to need them, and we will work together to finish the season in the best way possible,” Simeone said.
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“He joined the group very quickly, and you could immediately notice his physical strength, his speed, his ability to change the play, and his power in the final third.
“We hope he can help us in the way he believes he can and in the way we expect. And obviously it is important that partnerships are formed for the good of the team, because that is what it is about – bringing good players together.”
Lookman arrived in Madrid alongside fellow winter additions Rodri Mendoza from Elche and Obed Vargas from Seattle Sounders, but it was the Nigerian who stole the headlines on debut.
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His move to Atlético brought an end to a prolonged and often tense transfer saga with Atalanta, where he had become a cult hero. Over three and a half seasons in Bergamo, Lookman scored 55 goals and recorded 27 assists in 137 appearances, playing a central role in the club’s domestic and European resurgence.
Atlético secured his services on a four-year contract valued at €40 million, including add-ons, and presented him to supporters earlier this week with the No. 22 jersey.
Beyond the personal milestone, Lookman’s debut goal could prove timely for an Atlético side navigating a difficult phase of the campaign. Simeone’s men currently trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by ten points and face a Champions League play-off tie against Club Brugge in the coming weeks.
With the league title slipping away and Europe hanging in the balance, the Copa del Rey now represents Atlético’s most realistic path to silverware this season, making Thursday night’s victory over Betis particularly significant.
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Following the match, Lookman shared his excitement about the new chapter in his career.
“Proud and excited to start this new chapter. I am happy to join Atlético de Madrid, a massive club with rich history and passion,” he wrote.
“New city, new challenges, new energy. I am ready to give everything on the pitch and fight for these colours every time I step out there. Let’s get to work. Aupa.”
For Atlético fans, it was exactly the kind of debut they had hoped for. For Lookman, it was a statement of intent that his impact in Spain may be just beginning.
