Atlético Madrid produced a statement performance on Feb. 5, 2026, beating Real Betis 5-0 in the Copa del Rey quarter-final at Estadio de La Cartuja, with new signing Ademola Lookman scoring on his debut and adding an assist. Dávid Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada also found the net, as Atlético routed a visibly flat Betis side and booked a place in the semi-finals.
Match summary
Atlético struck early and kept the pressure on, taking a 3-0 lead into halftime thanks to Hancko’s header from a set piece in the 12th minute, Giuliano Simeone’s finish from a left-flank move in the 30th, and Lookman’s composed breakaway in the 37th. The second half saw Lookman tee up Antoine Griezmann in the 62nd, and Thiago Almada seal the scoreline with a smart finish in the 83rd. The final score, 5-0, reflected domination across the key moments and left little doubt about the better-prepared side on the night.
Quick facts
- Competition: 2025-26 Copa del Rey, quarter-final
- Date: February 5, 2026
- Venue: Estadio de La Cartuja, Seville
- Attendance: approximately 66,810
- Final score: Real Betis 0, Atlético Madrid 5
"He came to help us, and we hope to help him so he can continue to improve."
That was Diego Simeone in the mixed zone, succinctly explaining the immediate impact of a January signing who had only trained a couple of times with his new teammates before kickoff.
Key performers and tactical notes
Atlético Madrid
- Ademola Lookman: Debut to remember, a goal and an assist, direct, confident on the ball and decisive on counters. Lookman’s movement dragged defenders out of position and opened space for Matteo Ruggeri and the inside forwards.
- Dávid Hancko: Important set-piece threat, opened the scoring and gave Atlético an early platform to control the tie.
- Midfield control: Koke and the central trio maintained tempo and recycling possession, allowing Atlético to press in waves and hit Betis on transitions.
Real Betis
- Defensive problems: Betis struggled to defend set pieces and transitions, conceding the opener from a corner and then being exposed on counters. The lack of compactness between midfield and defense was evident for long spells.
- Offensive absence: Betis produced few sustained chances and were unable to test Juan Musso consistently, which left their supporters with little to cheer on a difficult night.
Match statistics snapshot
Metric | Real Betis | Atlético Madrid |
|---|---|---|
Goals | 0 | 5 |
Notable scorers | — | Hancko, G. Simeone, Lookman, Griezmann, Almada |
Venue | Estadio de La Cartuja | Estadio de La Cartuja |
Attendance | ~66,810 | ~66,810 |
(Statistical snapshots reflect match reporting and live tallies on the night.)
Tactical breakdown
Atlético set up with structure and intent to punish turnovers. They mixed a disciplined midblock with sudden high-speed counters, exploiting Betis’ tendency to commit men forward without ensuring defensive cover. Lookman’s presence provided a wider threat and a channel for quick switches from midfield to attack.
```json
{
"Atletico_formation": "4-3-3",
"key_roles": {
"Koke": "tempo, linking play",
"Lookman": "wide counter, cut-inside",
"Griezmann": "second striker, link-up"
}
}
```
The code block above is a compact way to visualise the roles that shaped Atletico’s night: a solid spine, wide pace, and a clinical front line.
Reactions and context
Atlético’s coaching staff and players were upbeat, focusing on squad depth and the immediate returns from winter signings. Lookman’s scoring-debut narrative dominated post-match coverage, with pundits noting the rarity and the psychological boost it provides ahead of cup semis.
From the Betis perspective, reactions were a mix of disappointment and pragmatic calm. The scale of the defeat will sharpen questions about defensive organisation and squad rotation during a congested calendar that includes domestic league and European commitments.
What this means going forward
- Atlético Madrid advance to the Copa del Rey semi-finals, joining Barcelona, Athletic Club and Real Sociedad in the last four. The draw and schedule place extra spotlight on Atlético’s mid-season momentum, with semis looming in early to mid February and March.
- Real Betis must quickly regroup. A heavy cup defeat can accelerate tactical adjustments, but it can also have lingering effects on morale if not addressed swiftly. The calendar leaves little time for recovery, and La Liga matches approach rapidly.
Multiple viewpoints
- Atlético supporters and neutral analysts saw the result as evidence that Simeone’s side can blend new arrivals with established leaders to dangerous effect, particularly in knockout football.
- Betis fans and local commentators viewed the performance as an outlier symptomatic of broader squad depth and defensive cohesion challenges, calling for swift corrective measures rather than dramatic overhauls.
Final read
This was a high-contrast evening: Atlético Madrid, clinical and cohesive, booked a semi-final berth with an emphatic win, while Real Betis were left to answer tactical and morale questions. For neutral observers, the match was notable less for drama than for clarity, it revealed who was in form and who needed immediate repair — in cup football, margins matter, and Atlético took full advantage.