Valuable point. La Real played a remarkable match and took a precious point from their visit to the Metropolitano. Imanol’s side gave their best against the current league champion and despite being ahead thanks to goals by Sorloth and Isak, the locals equalized in the second half due to a doubtful penalty.
Even though we sealed our place in Europe in this pitch two years ago, results have never been very favorable to us in the Atlético field. The difficulty of the clash was obvious. The atmosphere was great tonight and la Real stepped on to the pitch as a very solid side and with two strikers: Isak and Sorloth. In his first chance, the latter got it done and put us front scoring his first goal for la Real. Moreover, Isak provided the assist. Ace. Atlético dominated possession and attacked the visitors but lacked accuracy whilst la Real were comfortable in possession and well organised. Isak tried his luck on two occasions but to no avail. Before the minute 30, Silva also had his chance but his shot hit Oblak’s body. The game was even before the break, with the txuri urdin increasingly having more control of the game.
La Real went out all guns blazing in the second half. In the minute 46, Isak scored an early free-kick to double the visitors. Amazing. Simeone’s side found it difficult to react but tried to put pressure through Carrasco, who tried his best with a solo effort. Shortlty after, Suárez headed home to reduce the arrears for the hosts. Atlético were in search of the equalizer whereas the txuri urdin kept a stiff upper lip. Then, Hernández Hernández, decided that Suárez had been fouled by Merino inside the box and the player from Uruguay made no mistake from 11 yards. Portu could have scored in the final minutes but his volley hit on a defender.
We could have got three, but we value every point. The show must go on! Aupa, Real!
Match sheet:
Atlético de Madrid: Oblak, Trippier, Felipe, Hermoso (Herrera, min.74), Lodi (Correa, min.58), De Paul (Kondogbia, min.58), Koke (Cap), Lemar (Carrasco, min.46), Joao Felix, Griezmann (Cunha, min.74) and Suárez.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Zaldua (Turrientes, min.63), Aritz, Le Normand, Zubeldia, Gorosabel, Guevara (Januzaj, min. 88), Merino, Silva (Pacheco, min.63), Isak (Portu, min.63) and Sorloth (Lobete, min. 88).
Goals: 0-1: Sorloth, min.7. 0-2: Isak, min.48. 1-2: Suárez, min.62.
Referee: Munuera Montero. Booked Felipe for Atlético and Zaldua and Aritz for Real Sociedad.