Ademola Lookman was on target as Atletico Madrid suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat on penalties to Real Sociedad in the final of the Copa del Rey on Saturday, after the encounter ended 2-2 in regulation time at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, Spain. 

Lookman unleashed a left-footed effort from the edge of the area into the bottom corner to draw Atletico Madrid level after an early setback in the contest.

Ander Barrenetxea had earlier handed Real Sociedad the lead inside the opening minute, but the Nigerian international responded swiftly to restore parity for the Madrid outfit.

However, Sociedad regained their advantage before the interval, with skipper Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converting from the penalty spot.

Atletico mounted a spirited response after the break, with Julian Alvarez netting a late equaliser with seven minutes into the end of the match.

Lookman remained influential throughout the second half and looked poised to grab a brace before he was eventually withdrawn.

The Nigerian international, after latching onto a pinpoint delivery from Marcos Llorente, fired his effort over the crossbar in the 60th minute.

He was subsequently withdrawn just three minutes later, with Nico Gonzalez introduced as Atletico Madrid intensified their push for an equaliser in the second half.

According to Opta Jose, Ademola Lookman became only the second Nigerian to score in a Copa del Rey final, following Finidi George, who achieved the feat with Real Betis against Barcelona in 1997.

The strike further boosted his tally for the Rojiblancos, underlining his impressive form since his winter move from Atalanta.

The 28-year-old has now registered seven goals and four assists in 18 appearances across all competitions.

Adeyemi Adewale