Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has defended his decision to substitute Ademola Lookman during their Copa del Rey final loss to Real Sociedad.
Lookman maintained his impressive form by scoring for the second straight match, netting an 18th-minute equaliser after Ander Barrenetxea had given Sociedad a lightning-fast lead just 14 seconds into the game.
However, Sociedad regained the advantage before halftime when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty following a foul by goalkeeper Juan Musso on Gonçalo Guedes.
Simeone took Lookman off shortly after the hour mark—a decision that raised eyebrows as Atlético struggled to create clear chances. The team eventually found an equaliser in the 83rd minute through Julián Álvarez, forcing the match into extra time.
With no winner after 120 minutes, the final was decided via penalties, where Real Sociedad triumphed 4-3 to lift the trophy.
Explaining his decision, Simeone said the substitution was tactical, noting that introducing Alexander Sørloth would improve attacking options, while Álvarez and Álex Baena were repositioned to adjust the team’s shape.
Meanwhile, reports from Marca suggest Lookman may have been dealing with discomfort, having felt pain in his adductor muscle. He is expected to undergo medical tests to determine the extent of the issue.
Despite the defeat, Lookman’s impact continues to grow, with 11 goal contributions since joining in the winter transfer window. He also made history as the first Nigerian to score in a Copa del Rey final since Finidi George in 1997.
The loss ends Atlético’s hopes of domestic silverware this season, with attention now turning to their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Arsenal on April 29.