Sociedad win Copa del Rey on penalties as Lookman shines for Atletico

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Real Sociedad clinched the Copa del Rey title after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid, following a pulsating 2-2 draw after extra time at the Estadio de La Cartuja on Saturday night.

Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman delivered an impressive performance, scoring to bring Atletico Madrid level early in the contest after Ander Barrenetxea had given Sociedad the lead.

Lookman struck in the 18th minute, firing home from the edge of the box to restore parity and set the tone for a fiercely contested final.

Real Sociedad regained the advantage just before halftime through a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty, but Atletico fought back in the second half, with Julian Alvarez producing a stunning long-range effort in the 83rd minute to force extra time.

Both sides created chances during the additional period but failed to find a winner, sending the final into a tense penalty shootout.

In the decisive moment, Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero emerged as the hero, saving crucial spot-kicks from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth to tilt the contest in his side’s favour.

Pablo Marin converted the winning penalty with composure, sealing Sociedad’s triumph and sparking celebrations among their players and supporters.

Despite Lookman’s lively display and goal, Atletico Madrid were left to rue missed chances and costly errors from the spot, as Sociedad held their nerve to lift the prestigious Spanish cup.