Ademola Lookman has admitted the Copa del Rey final will be a serious test but says Atletico Madrid are ready for it, Footynaija.com reports.
The 28-year-old has been one of the standout performers since joining Los Rojiblancos from Atalanta for €35 million in January, and the Copa del Rey final comes at a moment when he’s already proven he belongs at the highest level in Spain.
Six goals and four assists across 17 appearances in all competitions is a return that speaks for itself, and per Daily Post, Lookman has spoken openly about the magnitude of what awaits on Saturday.
“It will be a tough, tough game, but we have a chance to win a very important trophy for the club,” the Super Eagles forward said ahead of Saturday’s showdown with Real Sociedad at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.
In three Copa del Rey appearances, he’s scored twice and assisted twice, announcing himself on debut with a goal in a 5-0 rout of Real Betis before playing a central role in the 4-0 first-leg demolition of Barcelona in the semi-finals, where he scored and set up another.
Atletico advanced 4-3 on aggregate after losing the away leg 3-0, a tie that tested Lookman in both directions, the comfort of a dominant night at the Metropolitano and the discipline of a gritty defensive shift at the Camp Nou.
History against Real Sociedad
Atletico head into the final with a strong head-to-head record against their opponents. Diego Simeone’s side have gone unbeaten in their last ten meetings with Real Sociedad, including a 1-1 draw and a 3-2 league win in encounters earlier this season.
It’s the kind of thing that informs Lookman’s confidence, even while he’s careful not to dismiss the challenge.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, come in Seville fresher. Their semi-final win over Athletic Club showed their capacity to handle tight knockout football, and captain Mikel Oyarzabal has been decisive throughout their run.
Copa del Rey finals don’t always respect recent form, and Lookman will know that better than most after his Europa League final hat-trick against a Bayer Leverkusen side that had been near-invincible all season.
