Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has defended his decision to substitute Ademola Lookman during Saturday’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad.
Lookman continued his bright start in Spain by scoring for the second consecutive game, finishing neatly in the 18th minute to cancel out Ander Barrenetxea’s opener, which arrived just 14 seconds after kick-off.
Real Sociedad restored their lead before the break when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot after Juan Musso fouled Goncalo Guedes in the area, giving the Basque side a 2-1 advantage at half-time.
Simeone replaced Lookman shortly after the hour mark, a move that drew scrutiny as Atlético struggled to fashion clear openings. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 83rd minute when Julián Álvarez fired in a fine equaliser to send the game into extra time.
Neither side could find a winner after 120 minutes and the final was decided on penalties, with Real Sociedad securing a 4-3 shootout win to lift the trophy.
Speaking after the match, Simeone insisted the change was tactical.
“I felt that with Sørloth up front, we could create more chances, and that Julián could take on Lookman’s role. We then moved Baena to the left. That was the thinking behind the substitution,” the Argentine said, referring to Alexander Sørloth and Álex Baena.
Meanwhile, Spanish publication, Marca reports on Sunday, April 19, that “Ademola Lookman was substituted during the CDR final due to discomfort. He felt a sharp pain in his adductor muscle.
“He will undergo medical tests tomorrow to ensure there is no serious injury.”
Despite defeat, Lookman strengthened his growing influence at the club, taking his tally to 11 goal contributions since his winter arrival. He also became the first Nigerian to score in a Copa del Rey final since Finidi George in 1997.
The loss ends Atlético’s hopes of major domestic silverware this season, with their La Liga title challenge already over.
Focus now shifts to the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Arsenal on April 29.