Why Lookman Was Substituted In Copa del Rey Final —Simeone

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has explained why Ademola Lookman was replaced in the Copa del Rey final with Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Lookman was in Simeone’s starting lineup at the weekend and was on target after drawing his side level just after the hour mark.

However, just like in most of the games which he has featured in since joining the Spanish side in January, Lookman was withdrawn in the second half.

Atletico went on to lose the final 4-3 on penalties after 90 minutes and extra-time finished 2-2.

Also Read: Lookman Equals Finidi’s Copa del Rey Final Feat

Explaining why Lookman had to be withdrawn, Simeone said (via futbolfantasy.com):”Because I understood that with Sorloth playing there as a number nine, we could create more scoring opportunities, and that Julián could fulfill Lookman’s role. Later, we moved Baena further to the left. We also have very important players in that position. And, well, that’s how I understood the substitution.”

Lookman’s goal was his third in the Copa del Rey and has scored seven goals in all competitions this season.

Defeat to Sociedad leaves Atletico looking for a first Copa del Rey title since beating city rivals Real Madrid in the 2013 final at the Santiago Bernabeu.

For Sociedad, they secured their fourth Copa del Rey title and also clinched their first Cup trophy since 2020.

Meanwhile, Lookman and his Atletico teammates will shift their attention to the UEFA Champions League where they will face Arsenal in the semi-final.

When both sides met in the group stage at the Emirates, the Gunners triumphed 4-0

By James Agberebi