Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman was denied his first major trophy in Spain after his side fell to a dramatic penalty shootout defeat against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey Final.
The fiercely contested encounter ended 2-2 after extra time, with Sociedad prevailing 4-3 on penalties to lift the trophy.
Real Sociedad made a dream start, taking the lead inside the opening minute through Ander Barrenetxea, who capitalised on early defensive hesitation to put Atletico on the back foot.
However, Atletico responded swiftly, with Lookman restoring parity in the 19th minute. The Nigerian international showed sharp attacking instinct, finishing clinically to draw his side level and underline his importance in the final.
Sociedad regained the advantage just before the interval when goalkeeper Juan Musso converted from the penalty spot in added time of the first half, handing the Basque side a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
Atletico pressed for a response in the second half and eventually found it late on, as Julian Alvarez struck with just three minutes remaining in regulation time to level the contest at 2-2 and force extra time.
Despite both sides pushing for a winner, neither could find a breakthrough in extra time, sending the final into a tense penalty shootout.
In the decisive moments, Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero emerged as the hero, producing a crucial save to secure a 4-3 victory in the shootout and seal the club’s triumph.
Notably, Lookman’s goal carried historic significance, as he became the first Nigerian player to score in a Copa del Rey final in 29 years. The last to achieve the feat was Finidi George, who scored for Real Betis in the 1997 final.
The result marks a significant upset, with Atletico Madrid entering the final as favourites following their impressive run, including the elimination of Barcelona in European competition. However, it was Sociedad who held their nerve to claim silverware.
For Lookman, the defeat represents a missed opportunity to claim his first title with Atletico Madrid, having enjoyed prior success in Italy with Atalanta, where he lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy.
Despite finding the net in the final, the Super Eagles forward was left to reflect on what might have been as Sociedad celebrated a memorable cup victory.
