Griezmann Hails Team Spirit After Lookman Shines on Atletico Madrid Debut
Antoine Griezmann has praised Atlético Madrid’s strong team spirit after Ademola Lookman made an instant impact on his debut in a 5–0 Copa del Rey quarter-final victory over Real Betis.
The France forward said the unity within Diego Simeone’s squad has helped new signings settle quickly, following an impressive performance in Seville that sent Atletico into the semi-finals of the competition.
Speaking after the match, Griezmann highlighted how the club’s atmosphere allows new players to express themselves with confidence.
“Regarding Lookman, the idea is to enjoy the new players and let them give us nights of joy like this one,” Griezmann said.
“We are a team, a dressing room, a club and a fanbase that makes things easy. From the first second, every new player is welcomed with open arms.”
Lookman, who joined Atletico from Atalanta on deadline day, wasted no time in making his mark. The Nigeria international scored Atletico’s third goal just before half-time, bringing up his 100th goal in senior football, and later provided an assist for Griezmann.
Atlético had earlier taken control of the game when Dávid Hancko headed in from a Koke corner, before Giuliano Simeone doubled the lead. Lookman then capped a swift counter-attack to score his first goal in Atletico colours eight minutes before the break.
Just after the hour mark, Griezmann finished calmly after being set up by Lookman to make it 4–0, with substitute Thiago Almada adding a fifth late on to complete the rout.
The emphatic win stretched Atlético Madrid’s unbeaten away run to eight matches across all competitions and underlined the positive impact of their new signings.
