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Atlético Madrid Cruise Into Copa del Rey Semifinals With Dominant Display in Seville

Atletico Madrid players celebrate after scoring against Betis

Key Takeaways:

  • Atlético Madrid secured a 5-0 away victory over Betis last night to clinch the last Copa del Rey semifinal spot
  • Five different Atlético players found the net, including debutant Ademola Lookman, who also recorded an assist
  • The semifinal draw will be conducted to determine two-legged ties, joining Barcelona, Real Sociedad, and Athletic Bilbao in the final four

Commanding Victory Seals Progress

Atlético Madrid emphatically booked their place in the Copa del Rey semifinals last night, overpowering Betis 5-0 on the road. Their attacking display produced five separate scorers: David Hancko (12’), Giuliano Simeone (30’), Ademola Lookman (37’), Antoine Griezmann (62’) and Thiago Almada (83’).

With this result, Atlético completed the quartet of semifinalists. Earlier this week, Barcelona confirmed their progression after defeating Albacete. Yesterday, both Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao sealed their spots by eliminating Alavés and Valencia, respectively.

Impressive Debut for Lookman

Among the headlines was a standout debut for Ademola Lookman, who completed his transfer from Atalanta earlier this week. Lookman was included in the starting eleven after passing a medical on Monday, marking his first appearance for the Madrid side with a goal and an assist before being replaced by Obed Vargas in the 79th minute.

Match Overview and Key Moments

It took under fifteen minutes for Atlético to open their account. Koke’s corner delivery was expertly headed in by Valentín Barco, leaving goalkeeper Adrián with no chance. Atlético almost doubled their lead four minutes later when Lookman beat several Betis defenders and fired just wide from the edge of the box.

Betis responded with a chance of their own in the 29th minute. Nelson Deossa unleashed a powerful effort after latching onto a rebound, sending his shot narrowly wide. Atlético, however, responded ruthlessly; only a minute later, Giuliano Simeone found space in the penalty area and struck decisively to make it 2-0.

Moments later, another home attack from Betis saw Deossa again go close, driving through the defence but failing to find the net. Atlético then struck on the counter: Lookman finished off a move in the 37th minute by converting a pass inside the box, increasing the advantage to 3-0.

The Andalusian side continued to create half-chances, with Antony shooting just wide by the 42nd minute. After the interval, there were appeals for a penalty against Griezmann for a possible handball, though play continued without VAR involvement and no spot kick was awarded.

In the 48th minute, Ortiz tested Atlético keeper Juan Musso, though without significant threat. Soon after, manager Diego Simeone was forced to substitute Pablo Barrios for José Giménez due to Barrios’ worsening condition from a collision.

Hancko, the opening goalscorer, saw another attempt blocked ten minutes into the second half. On the hour mark, Lookman turned provider with a ball to Griezmann, who finished comfortably for Atlético’s fourth of the evening. Lookman’s impact was further underlined before he was withdrawn for Vargas in the final stages.

With victory assured, Atlético pressed on. Griezmann was denied a brace in the 82nd minute before, just one minute later, Almada sealed the impressive performance by sending a shot into the bottom right corner to make it 5-0.

Statistical Summary

ScorerMinuteTeam
David Hancko12’Atlético Madrid
Giuliano Simeone30’Atlético Madrid
Ademola Lookman37’Atlético Madrid
Antoine Griezmann62’Atlético Madrid
Thiago Almada83’Atlético Madrid

Semifinal Draw Awaits

With Atlético Madrid joining Barcelona, Real Sociedad, and Athletic Bilbao in the semifinals, the competition now turns to the draw. The final four ties will be contested over two legs, a departure from the single-leg format of previous rounds. Atlético return to this stage after a dramatic exit to Barcelona last year.


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