Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman was on target, but it was not enough to stop his side from falling to Real Sociedad on penalties in the Copa del Rey final.
The 28-year-old became only the second Nigerian player to score in the final of the competition after Finidi George scored in the final of the 1997 edition although his Real Betis side lost 2-1 to Barcelona.
Real Sociedad had taken the lead inside just 14 seconds, with the fastest goal in the history of the Copa del Rey through Ander Barrenetxea, but Lookman grabbed his 11th goal contribution for Atletico with the equalizer.
Mikel Oyarzabal restored Sociedad’s lead in first-half stoppage time and while Julian Alvarez sent the game into extra-time, it was Real Sociedad who claimed their second title win in six years by winning the shootout.
Lookman stars, but Atletico fall short of glory
Ademola Lookman joined Atletico Madrid earlier in the year from Atalanta and was hoping to win his first silverware against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final.
Los Rojiblancos had defeated Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate to book their final spot, but fell behind after only 14 seconds when Barrenetxea gave Real Sociedad the lead.
Lookman equalized for Atletico in the 18th minute after picking up a pass from Antoine Griezmann, before Oyarzabal put Sociedad back ahead from the penalty spot after a foul by Juan Musso.
The Super Eagles star came off in the 62nd minute as his side searched for an equalizer, but it was not until the 83rd minute when they scored through Alvarez, sending the game into extra-time.
After no goal in the additional 30 minutes of action, the game went into penalties.
Alexander Sorloth and Alvarez missed for Atletico, while Orri Oskarsson fluffed his attempt, before Pablo Marin netted the decisive kick to give his side the win.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid and Lookman suffer heartbreak and will now be hoping to defeat Arsenal in their Champions League semifinal tie to keep their hopes of winning a silverware alive.
