Copa del Rey: Simeone explains Lookman substitution

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has clarified his decision to substitute Ademola Lookman during Saturday’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad.

Lookman maintained his impressive form since joining the club, scoring for the second consecutive game with a well-taken finish in the 18th minute to cancel out Ander Barrenetxea’s opener, which came just 14 seconds into the match.

Real Sociedad, however, regained the lead before halftime when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot after Juan Musso fouled Goncalo Guedes in the box, giving them a 2-1 advantage at the break.

Simeone withdrew Lookman shortly after the hour mark, a decision that drew attention as Atlético struggled to create clear chances in the immediate aftermath. Their persistence eventually paid off in the 83rd minute, when Julián Álvarez struck a superb equaliser to force the game into extra time.

With neither side able to find a winner after 120 minutes, the contest was settled via penalties, where Real Sociedad triumphed 4-3 to claim the trophy at Atlético’s expense.

His substitution, particularly with Atlético chasing the game and benefiting from his threat on the left flank, raised questions among observers.

Addressing the decision after the match, Simeone described it as a tactical adjustment aimed at reshaping his team’s attacking approach.

“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.

Despite the defeat, Lookman underlined his growing importance to the team, taking his tally to 11 goal contributions since arriving in the winter transfer window—second only to Álvarez in that period. He also etched his name into history as the first Nigerian to score in a Copa del Rey final since Finidi George in 1997.

The defeat dents Atlético’s hopes of securing major silverware, with their La Liga title challenge already out of reach since their 2020–21 triumph.

Attention now turns to the UEFA Champions League semi-final, where they face Premier League side Arsenal, as Simeone looks to regroup and build on the positives from the performance.