Diego Simeone’s team lost 1-0 to Real Betis at the Metropolitano on Sunday, damaging Atletico Madrid’s La Liga season and breaking their league winning streak.
Ademola Lookman, a winger for the Super Eagles, had a pleasant post-game statement despite the outcome.
Just a few days after making an impression against the same team in the Copa del Rey with a goal and an assist in a 5-0 victory, Lookman suffered his first league loss at Atletico’s home field.
The margins were stacked against the home team this time, as Betis used a more methodical approach to win all three points.
After the game, Lookman emphasised his personal achievement of playing in the Metropolitano while also acknowledging the disappointment.
“Not the result we wanted but we stay positive,” the Nigerian international wrote on his official X account. Making my debut at the Metropolitano was a very special event. “Aupa Atleti.”
Lookman played a significant role in Atletico’s offensive phases and nearly scored to celebrate.
He headed the ball into the net just before halftime, but the assistant referee’s flag raised and the attempt was disallowed for offside.
Brazilian winger Antony gave Real Betis the lead in the 28th minute with a long-range effort that beat Jan Oblak and gave him his sixth league goal of the year. In a closely contested match, the goal proved to be the deciding factor.
In the 77th minute, Diego Llorente’s own goal caused euphoria throughout the stadium, giving Atletico the impression that they had once again levelled.
Antoine Griezmann was called slightly offside in the build-up, which infuriated the home crowd, but a VAR review reversed the judgement.
Simeone’s troops failed to make a breakthrough in the closing moments despite constant pressure. The win ended Betis’ hopes of finishing in the top four, as they now sit fifth with 38 points, four points behind fourth-place Villarreal.
After a rare home league loss, Atletico will now turn their attention to cup play, with a response expected in Thursday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Barcelona. Atletico is currently in third place in the standings.
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