Simeone defends Lookman’s substitution in Copa loss

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has defended his decision to substitute Ademola Lookman during Saturday night's Copa del Rey final, a match where the Nigerian international secured a historic milestone despite the team's eventual defeat to Real Sociedad.

The final at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville began with immediate drama as Real Sociedad took the lead through Ander Barrenetxea in the first minute. Atletico found their response in the 19th minute when Lookman cut inside and fired a precise left-footed shot into the bottom corner. With that strike, Lookman became only the second Nigerian to score in a Copa del Rey final, joining the legendary Finidi George (1997).

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Despite the equalizer, Sociedad regained control before the break when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty. Seeking a tactical shift, Simeone withdrew Lookman in the 62nd minute—a decision that raised eyebrows given the Nigerian’s influential form. Since his winter switch from Atalanta, Lookman has delivered seven goals and four assists, including three goals in the cup.

Addressing the substitution, Simeone explained: "I understood that with Sorloth playing as a number nine, we could create more scoring opportunities, and that Julián [Alvarez] could fulfill Lookman’s role." He noted that the change allowed for a positional reshuffle, moving Alex Baena to the left to increase flexibility.

The gamble bore fruit in the short term, as Alvarez eventually found the net to make it 2-2, sending the match into extra time. However, after a scoreless additional period, Real Sociedad held their nerve to claim a 3-2 victory on penalties.

While the night ended in collective heartbreak for Atletico, Lookman’s performance solidified his growing influence. His ability to deliver on Spain’s biggest domestic stage highlights why he has become a consistent attacking pillar for Simeone. Despite the tactical sacrifice in Seville, the "Super Eagle" has firmly established himself as a key figure in the club's high-pressure fixtures.