Ademola Lookman stands on the verge of a major milestone in Spanish football as Atletico Madrid face Real Sociedad in the 2026 Copa del Rey final at Estadio de la Cartuja today, with the Super Eagles forward chasing what would be a first major domestic trophy in Spain.
Atletico head into the final targeting a record 11th Copa del Rey title, while Real Sociedad are seeking only a fourth crown, with both sides arriving in Seville carrying contrasting recent form and history in the competition.
Diego Simeone’s side reached the semi-finals of the Champions League despite a 2-1 second-leg defeat to Barcelona in midweek, progressing 3-2 on aggregate to set up a last-four meeting with Arsenal.
However, their domestic form has been less convincing, with five defeats in their last six matches across all competitions, including a 2-1 loss to Sevilla in La Liga which has left them fourth, 22 points adrift of leaders Barcelona.
Despite that dip, Atletico still have the opportunity to secure silverware in cup competitions, having last lifted the Copa del Rey in 2012/13 when they defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the final.
They also carry a mixed recent record against Real Sociedad in the competition, having lost their last two Copa del Rey meetings with the Basque side, including a 2-0 defeat in the round of 16 in 2022.
For Lookman, however, attention is firmly on his rapid rise since joining Atletico from Atalanta in February 2026, with the forward quickly establishing himself as a decisive figure in cup competitions.
He played a central role in Atletico’s semi-final triumph over Barcelona, scoring and providing an assist in a commanding 4–0 first-leg victory in Madrid. Although Atletico lost the return leg 3–0, they advanced 4–3 on aggregate, with Lookman’s early contribution proving decisive in securing their place in the final.
That impact has placed the Nigerian forward on the brink of history, as he looks to become only the second Nigerian player ever to win the Copa del Rey, following Emmanuel Amuneke’s triumph with Barcelona in 1997.
Real Sociedad’s squad does not currently feature a Nigerian player, although striker Sadiq Umar, who left for Valencia in January, played a role earlier in the campaign before his departure.
He featured in two of Sociedad’s six matches on their road to the final and scored during their run to final. Under competition regulations, all registered squad members who contributed in earlier rounds remain eligible for winner’s medals, meaning Sadiq will still receive recognition should Real Sociedad triumph in Seville.
With Atletico chasing a long-awaited domestic cup and Real Sociedad aiming to upset the odds, the final also presents Lookman with the chance to cement his rapid rise in Spanish football with a first major trophy in La Liga.
The PUNCH