Lookman Goes Straight Into Simeone’s Starting XI Ahead of Copa del Rey Vs Betis
Ademola Lookman is set to make an immediate impact at Atletico Madrid, with Diego Simeone including the Nigerian winger directly in his first starting eleven tests ahead of Thursday’s Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Real Betis at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.
Lookman, who joined from Atalanta, featured both on the left wing and later as a second striker during training, displaying the pace, persistence, and attacking intent that marked him out as a key signing.
His runs off the ball and sharp link-up play with Baena suggested he is ready to play a decisive role for Los Rojiblancos.
Simeone’s initial lineup featured Musso; Pubill, Giménez, Hancko, Ruggeri; Giuliano, Llorente, Cardoso, Lookman; Almada and Julián Álvarez.
Later, Baena replaced Almada, with Lookman shifting centrally, while fellow new signing Mendoza partnered Koke in midfield, showing composure and vision. Vargas, another recent arrival, did not feature in the test eleven.
The training session was also notable for the presence of around fifty Atletico ultras, who came to rally the squad and emphasize the importance of treating the Copa del Rey with full commitment.
