Ademola Lookman marked his debut with a goal and an assist for Atlético Madrid, which advanced to the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a 5-0 victory over Real Betis.
David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada also scored as Atlético became the latest team to put their name in the hat for the final four.
Hancko broke the deadlock just 12 minutes later, running unmarked towards the near post to meet Koke’s corner and head it over the blind Adrian.
Lookman then squandered two presentable chances before Simeone stuck out a leg to push Matteo Rugari’s low kick into the back of the net on the half-hour.
However, Lookman would get his goal just seven minutes later, connecting perfectly with Pablo Barrios on the counter before breaking away from two Betis defenders to fire into the bottom left corner.
A triple substitution at half-time gave Betis more momentum, with Abde Ezzalzouli forcing a strong save from Juan Musso shortly after the break, but they were unable to take advantage of the quick start.
Griezmann then added the fourth in the 62nd minute, powering past Adrián as he fired his shot straight through the goalkeeper’s hands and into the roof of the net after a pass from Lookman.
And Almada added some late brilliance to the scoreboard; Griezmann’s low shot was parried away from goal, but the Argentine reacted quicker to take advantage of the rebound in the 83rd minute.
Data summary: Lookman announces himself on the Atleti stage
Lookman has become the first red and white player to debut as a starter against a LaLiga rival with a goal and an assist in any competition since at least the 2013-14 season.
And for Atlético, who have struggled for goals at times this season, it is a welcome arrival, as they had highs in shots (five), touches in the opposition box (nine) and passes in the final third (20).
Lookman also contributed 1.31 expected goals (xG) to Atleti’s overall total of 2.85, while Betis only mustered 0.85 xG at the other end.
Atlético has eliminated Betis in its last six Copa del Rey ties, without losing a single match (11 matches, seven wins and four draws), including the two quarterfinal matches.
