AFCON 2025
Ademola Lookman bagged a brace as Atletico Madrid began their pre-season campaign with a convincing 4-1 win over Getafe on Wednesday. The Super Eagles forward was the outstanding performer at the club’s Majadahonda training ground, setting the tone early for Diego Simeone’s side.
Lookman opened the scoring in the fifth minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box to fire home from close range. He doubled his tally in the 35th minute with a composed finish following a well-worked move, giving Atletico control before the break.
Arnau Ortiz and Obed Vargas added second-half goals to complete the scoring, after Getafe pulled one back through Alvaro Gutierrez to briefly reduce the deficit. Getafe fielded a heavily depleted side made up largely of academy players, limiting how much can be read into the margin of victory.
Simeone fielded a strong senior XI despite the absence of players who featured at the World Cup, deploying a three-centre-back system with advanced wing roles. Lookman operated on the left before drifting inside as Atletico pushed forward throughout the first half.
Lookman’s display comes with Julian Alvarez away on extended rest following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final, and amid reported interest from Barcelona in the striker. The performance has strengthened the case for Lookman to lead the line in Alvarez’s continued absence.
The Nigerian international completed his move to Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window and did not have a pre-season with the club last year. Reports suggest Simeone plans to use him mainly as a second striker this season rather than out wide.
Atletico will continue their pre-season preparations with a trip to face Manchester United on August 1, before further friendlies against Manchester City on August 9 and Marseille on August 14, ahead of their LaLiga opener.
