ADEMOLA LOOKMAN ON BRINK OF FIRST SPANISH TROPHY IN COPA DEL REY FINAL
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Ademola Lookman is on the brink of a major career milestone as Atlético Madrid face Real Sociedad in the 2026 Copa del Rey final at the Estadio de la Cartuja, with the Nigerian forward chasing his first major domestic trophy in Spain.
Atlético Madrid enter the final aiming for a record 11th Copa del Rey title, while Real Sociedad are targeting only their fourth, with both sides arriving in Seville in contrasting form.
Diego Simeone’s men reached the Champions League semi-finals despite a 2–1 second-leg defeat to FC Barcelona, progressing 3–2 on aggregate. However, their domestic form has dipped, with five defeats in their last six matches, leaving them fourth in La Liga and well behind league leaders Barcelona.
Despite recent struggles, Atlético remain in contention for silverware, having last won the Copa del Rey in the 2012/13 season after defeating Real Madrid in the final.
They also carry a mixed recent record against Real Sociedad in the competition, including defeats in previous Copa del Rey meetings.
For Lookman, attention is focused on his rapid impact since joining Atlético Madrid from Atalanta BC in February 2026. He has quickly become a key figure in cup competitions, particularly during the semi-final run.
He scored and provided an assist in Atlético’s commanding 4–0 first-leg win over Barcelona, a performance that helped secure their place in the final despite a 3–0 second-leg defeat.
That influence places him on the verge of history, as he aims to become only the second Nigerian player to win the Copa del Rey, after Emmanuel Amuneke, who achieved the feat with Barcelona in 1997.
Although Real Sociedad do not currently have a Nigerian player in their squad, striker Sadiq Umar contributed earlier in their cup run before his departure to Valencia, and remains eligible for a winner’s medal under competition rules.
With Atlético chasing long-awaited domestic glory and Real Sociedad seeking an upset, the final also offers Lookman the chance to crown his swift rise in Spanish football with a major trophy.
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