Lookman Chases First Atletico Title as Copa del Rey Final Kicks Off Today

Ademola Lookman could lift his first major trophy in Spanish football today as Atletico Madrid face Real Sociedad in the 2026 Copa del Rey final at Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville.

The Super Eagles forward has been a game-changer since arriving from Atalanta in January. His goal against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final second leg helped Atletico reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2017. Now he turns his attention to ending the club’s five-year trophy drought.

Simeone’s Faith Rewarded

Atletico boss Diego Simeone has not hidden his admiration for Lookman’s impact since the winter window. “He continues to evolve completely. He’s improving a lot defensively. He’s gaining a lot of weight within the team,” Simeone said after the Barcelona match.

The Argentine was sold from the start. Lookman scored and assisted on his Copa del Rey debut in a 5-0 demolition of Real Betis, prompting Simeone to say: “He’ll make us better.” Six goals and three assists in 17 appearances later, that prediction has aged well.

A Chance at History

If Atletico win in Seville, Lookman would become only the second Nigerian to win the Copa del Rey, after Emmanuel Amuneke’s triumph with Barcelona in 1997. That piece of history adds weight to an already big night.

The final also gives Atletico a shot at a record 11th Copa del Rey title, though their domestic league form has been rough. Five defeats in their last six matches, including a 2-1 loss to Sevilla, has left them fourth and 22 points behind leaders Barcelona.

Real Sociedad, chasing only their fourth crown, arrive as underdogs but with recent pedigree in this fixture. They beat Atletico 2-0 in the round of 16 in 2022 and will take confidence from that.

From Struggles to Stardom

Lookman’s route here was anything but smooth. After winning the U-20 World Cup with England, his club career stalled through spells at Charlton, Everton, and RB Leipzig. Loan moves to Fulham and Leicester showed glimpses but never stuck.

The turning point came at Atalanta, where a Europa League final hat-trick changed everything. Since switching international allegiance to Nigeria in 2022, he has become one of the Super Eagles’ most important attackers, with standout performances in the 2023 AFCON campaign that took Nigeria to the final.

Now, in Seville, he gets a chance to add another chapter.

Sources: Punch NG, Channels Television, AP News, Into the Calderon, ESPN