Atlético Madrid drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad in the 2026 Copa del Rey final after Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman scored a crucial equaliser in the 19th minute. The final, held at Estadio de La Cartuja, began with a shock early goal from Ander Barrenetxea, who headed home a Gonçalo Guedes cross just seconds into the match. Atlético responded with sustained pressure and were rewarded when Lookman converted a low shot through traffic, marking his second consecutive major final with a goal. The forward, who joined Atlético earlier in the year, previously scored a hat-trick for Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final. His performance reinforced his reputation for delivering in high-stakes matches. Diego Simeone's side are chasing their first Copa del Rey title since 2013 and their first major domestic trophy in nearly five years. Real Sociedad, appearing in their second final since 2020, held firm after Lookman's goal and remain in contention for silverware. The match remains poised heading into extra time.
Lookman scoring again in a final isn't surprising—it's expected, given he's now found the net in back-to-back major finals. This goal keeps Atlético within reach of their first domestic trophy in five years, but still leaves them short of silverware despite his clutch form. For Nigeria, only Emmanuel Amuneke has previously won the Copa del Rey, making Lookman's appearance in this final a rare milestone. If he lifts the trophy, he'll stand alone as the second Nigerian to do so—no more, no less.
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