Atlético Madrid's Lookman Shines in 4-1 Win Over Getafe
Ademola Lookman did not treat this like a gentle pre-season jog. Two goals before the break, sharp movement throughout, and a clear message sent on day one of Atlético Madrid’s summer: he wants a central role in Diego Simeone’s attack.
Atlético opened their preparations with a 4-1 win over a severely weakened Getafe side on Wednesday, a scoreline that reflected the gulf in experience more than any deep competitive edge. Getafe arrived with a squad built largely from their academy, short on senior regulars and shorter still on resistance once Atlético found their rhythm.
Lookman, though, treated it as an opportunity rather than a formality.
Lookman wastes no time
The Nigerian forward was the standout figure, striking twice in the first half to tilt the contest decisively. His double was the clearest positive to emerge from the afternoon, a reminder of the direct running and penalty-box instincts that can give Simeone something different in the final third this season.
These games can often drift. This one never did while Lookman was on the pitch. His movement between the lines, his willingness to attack space, and his composure in front of goal all hinted at a player ready to shoulder more responsibility.
Context matters, of course. Getafe’s makeshift, youthful XI was always likely to suffer once Atlético’s senior quality began to show. The margin of victory should not be over-interpreted. But even within that caveat, Lookman’s contribution stood out as more than routine pre-season padding.
Simeone experiments with three at the back
Beyond the scoreline, the most intriguing note came from the touchline. Simeone set his side up with three centre-backs and advanced wing roles, a structure that has hovered around Atlético for years without ever fully displacing the traditional back four.
On this evidence, it is back on the workbench.
Marcos Llorente thrived in the system, his energy and versatility ideal for the hybrid roles such a shape demands. He pushed high, broke lines, and connected midfield with attack, the sort of all-action display that makes him so valuable when the structure suits him.
The shape also nodded towards the qualities of Alejandro Grimaldo, the new arrival whose profile fits those advanced wide positions perfectly, even though he has not yet begun training with the squad. His name hung over the tactical experiment: this is a framework built with him very much in mind.
Whether this three-at-the-back approach becomes a permanent feature or remains a situational option is still an open question. Pre-season is the time to test, to stretch, to see what sticks. Simeone has given himself another card to play.
Squad still taking shape
Simeone was able to lean on a substantial portion of his senior group, even with some players yet to return after the 2026 World Cup. That alone made this more instructive than the average opening friendly. The spine looked familiar; the edges are where the change is coming.
Within that evolving picture, Lookman’s brace shone brightest. His performance suggested he can be more than a rotation piece, more than a tactical wildcard. He looked like a forward ready to claim a defined place in an attacking line that has often lacked consistent punch.
Pre-season is full of false dawns and flattering scorelines. This 4-1 win over a depleted Getafe side may prove to be just that. But if Atlético are searching for early signs of who will drive them into the new campaign, Lookman has already stepped to the front of the queue.
