Lookman’s Goal Not Enough As Sociedad Stun Atlético in Copa Del Rey Final

Lookman’s Goal Not Enough As Sociedad Stun Atlético in Copa Del Rey Final

By Niyi Busari 

Real Sociedad claimed Copa del Rey glory after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Atlético Madrid, with Ademola Lookman’s effort ultimately proving insufficient in a fiercely contested final.

The match burst into life almost immediately, as Ander Barrenetxea fired Sociedad ahead in the opening minute. Atlético responded swiftly, drawing level in the 19th minute through Lookman, who finished clinically to restore parity.

Sociedad regained the advantage just before the break when Juan Musso converted from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time, giving his side a 2–1 lead heading into halftime.

Atlético pressed for an equaliser in the second half and found it late on, as Julián Álvarez struck in the 87th minute to make it 2–2 and force extra time.

Despite both sides pushing for a निर्णing goal, neither could break the deadlock in extra time, sending the final into a tense penalty shootout. Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero emerged as the hero, making a decisive save to secure a 4–3 shootout victory and the trophy for his team.

Atlético Madrid had entered the final with momentum, particularly after eliminating FC Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals. However, it was Sociedad who rose to the occasion, defying expectations to lift the cup.

For Lookman, the defeat marks a missed opportunity to win his first major honour with Atlético Madrid, following a successful spell at Atalanta, where he previously won the UEFA Europa League.