Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has defended his decision to substitute Ademola Lookman during his side’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad, insisting the change was made to improve the team’s attacking threat.
Lookman, who started the match, had earlier drawn Atletico level shortly after the hour mark, continuing his strong run in the competition. Despite his impact, he was replaced in the second half — a pattern that has become familiar since his arrival at the club in January.
The match ultimately ended 2-2 after both normal time and extra time, before Sociedad triumphed 4-3 in a penalty shootout to claim the trophy.
Speaking after the match, Simeone explained the reasoning behind his decision. “Because I understood that with Sorloth playing there as a number nine, we could create more scoring opportunities, and that Julián could fulfill Lookman’s role. Later, we moved Baena further to the left. We also have very important players in that position. And, well, that’s how I understood the substitution.”
The Argentine coach’s comments underline a tactical reshuffle aimed at increasing attacking options as Atletico searched for a decisive goal. However, the move was not enough to prevent defeat in a closely contested final.
Lookman’s goal in the match was his third in this season’s Copa del Rey campaign, bringing his overall tally across all competitions to seven since joining the Spanish side. Despite his contributions, Atletico were unable to secure what would have been their first Copa del Rey title since their 2013 victory over city rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
For Sociedad, the victory marks their fourth Copa del Rey triumph and their first domestic cup success since 2020, capping off a hard-fought encounter that remained finely balanced until the final penalty was converted.
Attention for Atletico now turns to European competition, with Simeone’s side set to face Arsenal in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. The two teams have already met earlier in the season, with the English side recording a 4-0 victory in their group-stage encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
While the defeat will be a disappointment for Atletico, Simeone’s focus appears to have already shifted towards the challenges ahead, as his team look to regroup and pursue success on the continental stage.
