The encounter began at a blistering pace, with Ander Barrenetxea putting Sociedad ahead just 14 seconds into the match. Atlético responded swiftly, as Lookman continued his fine form by netting a composed equaliser in the 18th minute—his second goal in as many games since joining the club.
However, Sociedad regained control before the break when Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted from the penalty spot after a foul by Juan Musso on Gonçalo Guedes, giving them a 2-1 halftime lead.
A key talking point emerged just after the hour mark when Simeone opted to withdraw Lookman, despite the winger’s attacking influence. The change initially appeared to blunt Atlético’s momentum, with the team struggling to carve out clear opportunities in the immediate aftermath.
Persistence eventually paid off, though, as Julián Álvarez produced a moment of quality in the 83rd minute, firing home a superb equaliser to send the contest into extra time. With neither side able to find a decisive goal after 120 minutes, the final was settled via penalties, where Real Sociedad held their nerve to secure a 4-3 victory.
Simeone, addressing the substitution after the match, framed it as a calculated tactical adjustment rather than a reactionary decision.
“I felt that with Alexander Sørloth up front, we could create more chances, and that Julián could take on Lookman’s role. We then moved Álex Baena to the left. That was the thinking behind the substitution,” he explained.
Despite the disappointment, Lookman’s performance reinforced his growing importance within the squad. Since his winter arrival, the Nigerian forward has registered 11 goal contributions—second only to Álvarez in that period. His goal also carried historical significance, making him the first Nigerian to score in a Copa del Rey final since Finidi George in 1997.
The defeat represents another setback for Atlético in their pursuit of silverware this season, with their La Liga title hopes already out of reach.
Focus now shifts to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, where Atlético will face Arsenal. Simeone and his side will be aiming to regroup quickly, drawing on the positives from the final as they continue their push on the European stage.