Atletico Madrid extended their unbeaten run against Real Sociedad to 13 matches in La Liga with a thrilling 3–2 victory, leaving the Basque side with just three away wins this season.
Match Report
The clash between the two Copa del Rey finalists sprang into life in the fifth minute when Alexander Sorloth volleyed Atlético ahead against his former club.
Real Sociedad responded quickly, drawing level moments later as Carlos Soler unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner. The game maintained a high tempo, with both teams creating half-chances but failing to convert.
As the tempo slowed slightly, Sociedad’s Yangel Herrera misplaced several passes, though Atlético were unable to capitalise.
Ademola Lookman constantly troubled the visitors, while Giuliano Simeone kept Sociedad’s defence busy, though their finishing lacked accuracy.
At the other end, Orri Oskarsson offered little attacking threat, while Luka Sucic nearly produced a moment of brilliance with a superb stoppage-time run and shot that deserved a goal. Still, the 1–1 scoreline at half-time somewhat favoured Sociedad.
Goalkeeper Alex Remiro almost handed Atlético a chance early in the second half after juggling the ball, prompting Atlético coach Diego Simeone to introduce a triple substitution before the hour mark.
Sociedad responded with two changes of their own, bringing on Goncalo Guedes and Mikel Oyarzabal, both of whom quickly posed a threat.
Sorloth later fired just over the bar as Atlético increased the pressure, before Nico Gonzalez surprisingly missed from close range.
However, the Argentine midfielder soon made amends, finishing calmly after a clever back-heel assist from Antoine Griezmann. Sociedad responded almost immediately, with Oyarzabal blasting a powerful strike into the top corner to level the match again.
With 10 minutes remaining, Gonzalez rose high at the penalty spot to head Atlético back in front.
That decisive goal sealed the victory for Atlético, marking their third straight league win and keeping them firmly in third place in La Liga. For Sociedad, the defeat was only their second in the last 11 matches in Spain’s top flight.
