Ademola Lookman scores brace on Atletico Madrid preseason debut

Ademola Lookman made an immediate impact on his first preseason appearance for Atletico Madrid, scoring twice as Diego Simeone’s side secured an emphatic 4-1 victory over Getafe.

The Nigerian forward was the standout performer in Atletico’s opening preseason fixture, delivering a clinical display that earned him the man-of-the-match award.

His two goals helped lay the foundation for a comfortable victory and offered an encouraging glimpse of what could lie ahead for the club before the new La Liga season begins.

Named in the starting line-up by Simeone, Lookman quickly settled into Atletico’s system and looked at ease throughout the contest.

The 28-year-old was lively in attack, consistently made himself available for the ball and showed composure in front of goal to finish off two chances.

His sharp movement and attacking instinct caused problems for Getafe’s defence from the opening stages, with the Nigerian setting the pace for a dominant Atletico performance.

The hosts maintained control for much of the match and eventually ran out convincing 4-1 winners as preparations for the new campaign gathered momentum.

Lookman’s performance will also be viewed as another positive sign following his arrival at the Spanish club. Atletico completed the signing of the African Footballer of the Year from Atalanta in February 2026 in a deal worth €35 million, and the forward has already made an impression since moving to Madrid.

Since joining the club, he has found the net nine times across all competitions. Those goals include four in La Liga, two in the UEFA Champions League and strikes in the Copa del Rey, with one of his notable performances coming against Barcelona.

His latest display against Getafe suggested he has returned in excellent condition ahead of his first full season with Atletico.

Comfortable within Simeone’s tactical approach and decisive in the final third, Lookman looked fully integrated into the team despite it being only the opening preseason fixture.

The comprehensive victory also provided Atletico with the ideal start to their preparations for the new campaign. For Lookman, the brace represents an early statement of intent as he looks to build on the momentum that saw him crowned African Footballer of the Year.

With confidence high after his impressive display, the Nigerian forward will now aim to carry that form into the competitive season as Atletico seek to challenge for major honours in a league traditionally dominated by Real Madrid and Barcelona.