Lookman Denied Historic Copa del Rey Double as Atlético Lose on Penalties
Ademola Lookman came close to matching a rare Nigerian record after scoring in the Copa del Rey final, but Atlético The post Lookman Denied Historic Copa del Rey Double as Atlético Lose on Penalties first appeared on Africa Top Sports.
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Ademola Lookman came close to matching a rare Nigerian record after scoring in the Copa del Rey final, but Atlético Madrid were beaten by Real Sociedad in a dramatic penalty shootout on Saturday.
Sociedad triumphed 4-3 on penalties after an entertaining 2-2 draw that went through extra time, with goalkeeper Unai Marrero saving two spot kicks to secure the club’s fourth Copa del Rey title.
Lookman’s goal had given Atlético hope and also put him on the brink of matching the rare feat of Nigerian players who have scored in a Copa del Rey final and ended up winners.
Instead, the Super Eagles forward was left frustrated as Atlético fell short.
The final exploded into life almost immediately when Ander Barrenetxea fired Sociedad ahead after only 14 seconds.
Atlético responded in the 19th minute through Lookman, who finished calmly with a low left-footed strike inside the box for his third Copa del Rey goal of the season and seventh in all competitions.
Sociedad regained the lead just before halftime when Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot after a foul by the Atlético goalkeeper during a set-piece situation.
Atlético refused to give up and found another equaliser seven minutes from time when former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez scored to force extra time.
Neither side could find a winner in the additional period, sending the tie to penalties where Sociedad held their nerve.
The defeat means Atlético’s only remaining chance of silverware this season is now the UEFA Champions League, where they face Arsenal in the semi-finals.
Atlético are also fourth in La Liga with 57 points from 31 matches.
The post Lookman Denied Historic Copa del Rey Double as Atlético Lose on Penalties first appeared on Africa Top Sports.
