Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has explained his decision to substitute Ademola Lookman during the Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad on Saturday night. 

The Nigerian forward had played a pivotal role in Atletico Madrid's response after falling behind early in the encounter. 

Real Sociedad had taken the lead through Ander Barrenetxea in the first minute, but Lookman restored parity with a well-taken equaliser at minute 19. 

However, the balance of the match shifted before the Super Eagles star was substituted. 

Real Sociedad regained their advantage when captain Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted from the penalty spot just before halftime, leaving Atletico chasing the game and prompting tactical adjustments from the touchline in the second half. 

Addressing questions surrounding Lookman's substitution, which came in the 62nd minute, Simeone told reporters at the post-match press conference: "Because I understood that with Sorloth playing there as a number nine, we could create more scoring opportunities, and that Julián could fulfil Lookman’s role."

Simeone further elaborated on the positional reshuffle that followed the change, noting that it allowed greater flexibility across the front line.

"Later, we moved Baena further to the left. We also have very important players in that position. And, well, that's how I understood the change."

A winter signing from Atalanta, Lookman scored three goals and provided two assists  across four games in this season's Copa del Rey.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel