Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has revealed his decision to substitute Ademola Lookman during Saturday’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad, Soccernet.ng reports.
Lookman continued his fine form since joining the club by scoring for the second consecutive game with a well taken strike in the 18th minute, cancelling out Ander Barrenetxea’s opener which came after just just 14 seconds into the game.
However, Mikel Oyarzabal restored Real Sociedad’s lead from the penalty spot after Juan Musso fouled Goncalo Guedes in the box, giving them a 2-1 advantage at halftime.
Lookman was substituted just after the hour mark and Atlético struggled to respond until the 83rd minute, when Julián Álvarez fired home a superb equalizer to send the match into extra time.
With no winner after 120 minutes, the game was decided on penalties, where Real Sociedad prevailed 4-3 to lift the trophy at the expense of Los Rojiblancos.
Diego Simeone reveals why he substituted Lookman
Lookman continued to prove his worth to Atlético Madrid with his 11th goal contribution since joining them during the winter transfer window, second only to Alvarez during that period and also became the first Nigerian to score in a Copa del Rey final after Finidi George in 1997.
His substitution shortly after the hour mark raised eyebrows, especially given his threat on the left side of the attack and with Atlético chasing the game at that point.
Explaining his decision after the match, Simeone insisted it was a tactical approach to give his side a different dimension in attack.
“I understood that with Sørloth up front we could create more chances and that Julián could fulfil the role Lookman was playing. Then we moved Baena out to the left. That’s how I understood the substitution”, the Argentine said post-match.
Following the defeat, Atlético’s hopes of lifting their first major silverware since they won the Spanish La Liga in the 2020-21 season have taken a hit, with the league title also out of reach.
Their focus now shifts to the UEFA Champions League semifinal, where they face Premier League heavyweights Arsenal. Simeone, meanwhile, will have taken note of Lookman’s growing influence and should give the Nigerian forward more minutes in crucial games to make an impact.
