Report: Lookman fires Atleti into Copa Libertadores semi-finals | OneFootball

Atlético de Madrid has advanced to the semifinals of the Cup, clearly defeating Betis away with a resounding 0-5, in what has undoubtedly been the best match of the season for the red and whites.

Atleti showed their best version, and at La Cartuja, the game was played the way Cholo's team wanted, enjoying not only the result but also an excellent performance with the debut of all the new winter transfer signings.

The only blemish of the match was Pablo Barrios' muscle injury, which left us chilled. Fortunately, there have been winter market additions for the midfield that could well cover any potential absences (a very good debut by Rodrigo Mendoza as well).

Julian Alvarez did not start due to a virus, which we hope won't keep him off the field for long, but with the wonderful debut of Ademola Lookman, the absence of the Argentine was not felt (in addition to Griezmann's good performance in the match).

But if there's one name that reflects Atleti's great match at La Cartuja, it is Lookman. He did everything we dreamed he could bring to the team… he flew, dribbled, assisted, scored. He did it all, and his profile gives us things we didn't have before, which is noticeable in a different and more dangerous style of play than we had before.

The team soon began to dominate and score, with a header from Hancko at a corner, which went to the near post and made it impossible for Adrián to save and prevent what would be the first goal. A goal that was the prelude to an Atleti that broke Betis' defensive lines very well, with very good ball control from the team and very dangerous wings. Especially the left, unlike what we were used to (where the right was dominant in the red and white attack).

Lookman was close to debuting with a goal earlier than he did, with a great chance in the 16th minute, with a great no-look pass from Baena, unable to beat Adrián, who this time could prevent the goal that he couldn't with Hancko.

But Betis could do nothing with a masterful play in the 30th minute, with a combination of Ruggeri with Baena, who triangulated with Lookman and then again with Ruggeri, who finally gave the killer pass to Giuliano who didn't miss and began to seal the match and the tie.

And to do justice, Lookman was able to score his goal and round off his fabulous debut. A counterattack in the 37th minute, with a combination between Griezmann, Lookman, and Barrios at the start of the play, and with a sensational cut from Lookman in the finish to make it 0-3.

THE PACE AND DESIRE DIDN'T DROP IN THE SECOND HALF

The second half was more of the same. Atleti dominated again, breaking lines and counterattacking very well, to seal the match and the tie, with good play, goals, and the debut of the other two team signings (Rodrigo Mendoza and Obed Vargas).

In the 62nd minute, Atleti scored the team's fourth goal in another wonderfully guided counterattack by Lookman, who, starting from the midfield, reached the edge of the area, knowing how to wait and time the play to assist Griezmann, who accompanied him very well in the play and managed to beat Adrián (with a beautifully executed finish).

And for the rest of the match, aside from Barrios' injury (muscle problems), we had the opportunity to see the debut of Vargas and Mendoza (showing very good quality details) and the fifth goal in the 82nd minute, with a counterattack by Almada connecting with the French star, who this time couldn't beat Adrian, but leaving a loose ball that Almada took advantage of to score and achieve the fifth of the match for Atleti.

Great match, which excites a lot at this point in the season. Good image of the team, many expectations placed on Lookman and concern for Barrios' condition, whom we hope can return soon (just as we wish a speedy recovery for the spider and for Sorloth).

Betis will again be the team to beat on Sunday, this time in the League.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.