Atlético Madrid produced a dominant display to beat Real Betis 5-0 and cruise into the Copa del Rey semi-finals, extending their unbeaten away run in all competitions to eight matches.
Betis came into the game with confidence after winning their previous five home matches. They almost took an early lead in the sixth minute when Abde Ezzalzouli controlled a long pass and curled a shot just wide of the far post.
However, it was Atletico who struck first. In the 12th minute, captain Koke delivered a corner to the near post and David Hancko headed in to score his second goal of the season.
Atlético nearly doubled their lead four minutes later when new signing Ademola Lookman broke through on goal, but the debutant dragged his shot wide. Betis also missed a chance to score when Nelson Deossa fired wide from the edge of the box, and they were punished soon after.
Giuliano Simeone, who had scored at this ground earlier in the season, made it 2-0 by tapping in Matteo Ruggeri’s low cross after a quick move down the left. Eight minutes before half-time, Lookman opened his Atletico account. He controlled Pablo Barrios’ pass, cut inside two defenders and finished calmly to complete a rapid counter-attack.
Betis, who had scored in 28 of their last 29 Copa del Rey matches, tried to respond after the break. Ezzalzouli had a chance three minutes into the second half but hit his shot straight at goalkeeper Juan Musso.
Atletico remained in control and added a fourth goal just after the hour mark. Lookman set up Antoine Griezmann, who fired through the hands of Adrian to score his fourth goal of the competition this season.
With the result beyond doubt, Diego Simeone made several changes. Substitute Thiago Almada completed the scoring seven minutes from time, finishing from close range after Adrian saved Griezmann’s initial effort.
The win marked Atletico’s 11th victory in their last 14 meetings with Betis and handed the hosts only their fourth home defeat of the season. Betis will have little time to recover, as they are set to face Atletico again in LaLiga on Sunday.
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