Ademola Lookman was in action as Atlético Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 3–2 in a thrilling La Liga clash on Saturday, a contest that offered a preview of next month’s Copa del Rey Final between the two sides.
The Nigerian international started the match and delivered a solid performance before being substituted in the 53rd minute. His display earned him a 7.2 rating on Sofascore as Atlético secured a third consecutive league victory under manager Diego Simeone.
The win strengthened Atlético’s grip on third place in the league standings, taking their tally to 54 points from 27 matches.
The match burst into life early when Alexander Sørloth volleyed Atlético into the lead in the fifth minute against his former club. However, the advantage lasted only briefly as Carlos Soler responded almost immediately, firing a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner to level the scores.
The first half maintained an intense tempo, with Lookman and Giuliano Simeone repeatedly testing Sociedad’s defence. Despite several promising attacking moves from both sides, neither team could find another breakthrough before the interval.
The second half delivered the drama expected from two attacking sides. Nico González restored Atlético’s lead after finishing off a brilliant back-heel assist from Antoine Griezmann.
Yet the advantage was short-lived once again. Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal struck back almost instantly, unleashing a powerful effort that left the goalkeeper with little chance and brought the visitors level for a second time.
With just 10 minutes remaining, González struck the decisive blow. Rising highest in the box, he headed home from a delivery near the penalty spot to secure all three points for Atlético.
The victory extended Atlético Madrid’s impressive unbeaten run against Real Sociedad in La Liga to 13 matches, further underlining their dominance in recent meetings between the clubs.
For Real Sociedad, however, the defeat highlighted ongoing struggles away from home. The Basque side have managed only three wins on the road this season, a statistic that could raise concerns ahead of the Copa del Rey final scheduled for 18 April in Sevilla.
With both teams set to meet again on the grand stage next month, Saturday’s encounter provided a dramatic preview of what could be another fiercely contested showdown.
