Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman says Atletico Madrid will take the positives despite their 1-0 loss to Real Betis on Sunday, a result that marked a disappointing end to the Nigerian international’s La Liga debut, Bold Sports reports.
The league encounter was Lookman’s second start for his new team, after scoring and assisting for Diego Simeone’s side in the 5-0 Copa del Rey victory over the same opponents. This time around, however, Real Betis gained their revenge, bringing Atletico’s unbeaten home streak in the league to an end.
Reacting to the defeat, Lookman took to his official X account to write: “Not the result we wanted but we stay positive. Very special moment making my debut in the Metropolitano. Aupa Atleti.”
Real Betis got their crucial advantage in the 28th minute when Brazilian winger Antony hit a brilliant strike from outside the box, beating Oblak to record his sixth league goal of the season. Lookman thought he had leveled the scoreline few minutes before half-time as he headed the ball into the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
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The hosts thought they had grabbed an equaliser once again in the 77th minute following a Diego Llorente own goal. But VAR intervened to rule it out, with Antoine Griezmann adjudged to be marginally offside by a few inches, much to the frustration of the home fans.
Despite Diego Simeone’s side pushing hard for a late goal, they were unable to find the back of the net, and the match ended in a crucial victory for Real Betis. The win reignited Betis’ push for a top-four finish, as they sit fifth with 38 points, seven points behind third-placed Atletico Madrid and four adrift of fourth-placed Villarreal.
For Atletico Madrid, attention now turns back to the Copa del Rey as they prepare to host holders Barcelona in the first leg of their highly anticipated semifinal showdown on Thursday, February 12.
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