Lookman and Atletico Madrid Edge Past Real Sociedad in Thrilling Copa del Rey Final Rehearsal

Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, and Atletico Madrid emerged victorious in a thrilling 3-2 La Liga encounter against Real Sociedad on Saturday, setting the stage for an intense Copa del Rey final when the two sides meet next month.

The highly entertaining five-goal thriller served as the perfect dress rehearsal ahead of their highly anticipated cup showdown, which is scheduled to take place on April 18 in Sevilla.

Lookman started the match for Diego Simeone’s side and was a constant threat to the Sociedad defense alongside Giuliano Simeone during the frenetic first half. The Nigerian international contributed effectively before being substituted in the 53rd minute, earning a solid Sofascore rating of 7.2.

The match erupted into action just five minutes after kickoff when Alexander Sorloth scored a brilliant volley against his former club to put Atletico ahead.

However, the lead was short-lived as Carlos Soler quickly restored parity for the visitors with a fierce left-footed strike straight into the top corner.

The drama continued in the second half as Nico Gonzalez restored Atletico’s lead, capitalizing on a sublime back-heel assist from Antoine Griezmann.

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Real Sociedad, however, refused to back down, and Mikel Oyarzabal responded immediately with a thunderous effort to draw the visitors level once again.

With the game hanging in the balance and just 10 minutes left on the clock, Nico Gonzalez struck again, heading the ball into the net to secure all three points for the hosts.

The victory consolidated Atletico Madrid’s grip on third place in the La Liga standings, bringing them to 54 points from 27 matches and marking their third consecutive league win. Furthermore, the result extended Atletico’s impressive unbeaten streak against Real Sociedad in La Liga to 13 matches.

On the other hand, the defeat highlighted ongoing struggles for Real Sociedad on the road, leaving them with just three away wins all season, a concerning statistic as they prepare for the cup final in Sevilla next month.