Ademola Lookman played a key role as Atletico Madrid edged Real Sociedad 3-2 in a pulsating La Liga clash that doubled as a psychological sparring session ahead of their looming Copa del Rey final.

The Nigerian international, deployed from the start by Diego Simeone, was sharp and direct in Atletico’s attack, stretching Sociedad’s back line with his movement and link-up play before making way early in the second half. His contribution underpinned a performance that earned strong analytical ratings and reinforced his growing importance in a side chasing silverware on multiple fronts.

The contest exploded into life almost immediately. Former Sociedad striker Alexander Sorloth struck first, punishing hesitant defending with a crisp volley that put Atletico in front and briefly silenced the travelling support. The lead, however, was short-lived. Carlos Soler dragged the visitors level with a vicious left-footed strike that flew into the top corner, restoring parity and setting the tone for a breathless encounter.

Lookman and Giuliano Simeone repeatedly probed down the flanks, forcing Sociedad’s defenders into hurried clearances and tactical fouls. Atletico’s intensity without the ball, a hallmark of Simeone’s tenure, kept the Basque side under constant pressure, yet the first half closed with the score finely balanced and the outcome wide open.

The second half delivered the drama the occasion demanded. Nico Gonzalez restored Atletico’s advantage, finishing coolly after a moment of brilliance from Antoine Griezmann, whose audacious back-heel assist sliced open the defence. Once again, Real Sociedad refused to fold. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal thundered in an equaliser, his powerful effort underlining the resilience that has carried the Basque club into the cup final.

As tension rose and legs tired, Atletico found the decisive blow. Gonzalez, timing his run perfectly, met a teasing delivery to nod home what proved to be the winner, sealing his brace and tilting the psychological balance firmly in Madrid’s favour ahead of their next meeting.

The victory extended Atletico’s unbeaten league run against Real Sociedad to 13 matches and solidified their grip on a top-three position. For Sociedad, the narrow defeat highlighted both their attacking threat and their vulnerability away from home, a concern they must address before the sides reconvene with a trophy on the line in Sevilla.