Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman made an immediate impression in Atletico Madrid’s preparations for the 2026-27 season by scoring twice in a 4-1 victory over Getafe.
Lookman struck both of his goals before half-time as Diego Simeone’s side began their pre-season programme with a convincing win in a behind-closed-doors training match on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old’s double gave Atletico a strong advantage before the interval, with the Spanish club later adding two more goals to complete a comfortable victory.
Arnau Ortiz and Obed Vargas were also on target for Atletico, according to the club, while Getafe scored once in the match.
The fixture was played at Atletico’s training base at the Centro Deportivo Majadahonda and was arranged as the club’s first preparation match ahead of the new campaign. The game was closed to spectators and was not broadcast.
For Lookman, the performance represents an encouraging start to his preparations with Atletico after his move from Atalanta.
The Nigeria international joined Atletico from the Italian club in 2026 and signed a contract running until June 2030. The Spanish side describe him as a versatile forward capable of operating as a second striker or on either wing.
Lookman’s arrival in Madrid followed a successful spell at Atalanta, where he became one of the club’s leading attacking players. He made 137 appearances for the Italian side, scoring 55 goals and providing 27 assists.
His most memorable achievement with Atalanta came in the 2023-24 Europa League final, when he scored all three goals in a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen to secure the club’s first European trophy.
The Nigerian has now begun his Atletico career with another notable scoring contribution, adding to the positive signs surrounding his role in Simeone’s squad.
The victory over Getafe also gave Atletico an opportunity to assess players and formations as they prepare for the demands of the 2026-27 campaign. The club had previously confirmed that several of their international players would not be involved in the early stages of pre-season because of their participation in the World Cup.
Lookman’s performance is particularly significant as Simeone considers his attacking options for the new season. The Nigerian’s ability to play centrally or from wide positions gives the Atletico manager flexibility as he builds his forward line.
The Getafe match was the first of several planned pre-season tests for Atletico. Simeone’s team are scheduled to face Manchester United in Stockholm on 1 August before meeting Manchester City in Seoul on 9 August.
The club has also confirmed a further friendly against Marseille on 14 August as preparations continue.
While pre-season results do not determine competitive success, Lookman’s two-goal performance provides an early indication of his potential importance to Atletico.
The forward’s pace, movement and ability to operate in different attacking positions were among the qualities Atletico highlighted when announcing his signing. His latest outing has given Simeone further evidence of what the Nigeria international can contribute as the squad works towards the start of the new campaign.
For Lookman, the next challenge will be to build on his productive opening display as Atletico’s preparations intensify.
With further high-profile friendlies against Manchester United and Manchester City ahead, the Nigerian has made the ideal start to his first full pre-season preparations with the Madrid club.
