Ademola Lookman etched his name into the history books of Atlético Madrid this Thursday, delivering a record-breaking performance during his maiden appearance for the club. Manager Diego Simeone immediatey integrated the January signing into the starting lineup, a decision that yielded instant results for the Spanish giants. The Nigerian international spearheaded an offensive masterclass as the Colchoneros dismantled Real Betis 5-0 to secure their progression into the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
The 28-year-old forward not only found the net but also served as a primary playmaker, contributing an assist to cap off a dominant evening. According to statistical specialists OptaJose, this feat established a new benchmark for the club. Lookman now stands as the first Atlético Madrid player to register both a goal and an assist while debuting as a starter against a LaLiga opponent in any competition since at least the 2013/14 season.
Beyond the club-specific records, the match represented a monumental personal achievement for the former Atalanta star. His clinical strike against Real Betis marked the 100th goal of his professional career, while his assist brought his total career tally to 56 across seven different organizations. This milestone serves as a testament to his consistency across various top European leagues, having previously represented clubs including RB Salzburg, Leicester City, Fulham, and Everton.
Lookman’s immediate impact has provided a fresh wave of optimism for the Atlético faithful as they pursue silverware this season. By seamlessly adapting to Simeone’s rigorous tactical system within days of his arrival, the Super Eagles talisman has solidified his role as a key component of the Madrid attack. Fans and analysts now anticipate how this landmark performance will influence the club’s momentum in the upcoming rounds of the tournament.
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