Lookman upbeat after Atletico loss to Betis
Atletico Madrid’s La Liga campaign suffered a setback on Sunday as Diego Simeone’s side fell 1-0 to Real Betis at the Metropolitano, ending their unbeaten home run in the league.
Despite the result, Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman struck a positive note after the final whistle.
The defeat came in Lookman’s first league appearance at Atletico’s home ground, just days after he impressed against the same opposition in the Copa del Rey with a goal and an assist in a 5-0 win.
This time, the margins went against the hosts as Betis executed a more disciplined game plan to secure all three points.
Lookman reflects on Metropolitano debut
Following the match, Lookman acknowledged the disappointment while highlighting the personal milestone of featuring at the Metropolitano.
Writing on his official X account, the Nigerian international said: “Not the result we wanted but we stay positive. Very special moment making my debut in the Metropolitano. Aupa Atleti.”
Lookman was heavily involved in Atletico’s attacking phases and came close to marking the occasion with a goal.
Shortly before half-time, he headed the ball into the net, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside after the assistant referee’s flag went up.
Betis strike early, VAR denies Atletico
Real Betis took the lead in the 28th minute through Brazilian winger Antony, who unleashed a long-range strike that beat Jan Oblak to register his sixth league goal of the season. The goal proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter.
Atletico thought they had equalised again in the 77th minute when a Diego Llorente own goal sparked celebrations inside the stadium.
However, a VAR review overturned the decision, ruling that Antoine Griezmann was marginally offside in the build-up, a call that drew frustration from the home crowd.
Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Simeone’s men were unable to find a breakthrough. The victory lifted Betis’ push for a top-four finish, leaving them fifth on 38 points, four behind Villarreal in fourth place.
Atletico remain third in the standings and will now shift focus to cup competition, with attention turning to Thursday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Barcelona, where a response will be expected after a rare home league defeat.
