Real Sociedad fell to Atlético Madrid 2-1 at the Wanda Metropolitano in a match heavily influenced by the refereeing. First, a penalty in favor of the txuri urdin team that, after a VAR review, the referee did not award. Then, another one towards the end, this time in favor of the home team that he didn't hesitate to whistle.
The side from San Sebastian started well, with a couple of very dangerous attacks. Barrene scored after a good assist from Oyarzabal, but he was minimally offside. The striker from Eibar also had a chance to open the scoring with a left-footed shot that went slightly wide, although he was offside. Atlético grew stronger, and Samu Lino didn't miss his chance in a one-on-one after a long ball from Koke. Griezmann had two chances to extend the lead, but without success. De Paul's attempt hit the post in a set-piece. The best chance for Real Sociedad came just before half-time with a cross from Take that Oyarzabal headed over the crossbar.
After the restart, Atlético had a clear chance with a free-kick from Griezmann, but Witsel's header hit the post. The game opened up with opportunities for both teams. Brais tested Oblak with a long-range shot, whereas Morata challenged a secure Remiro on a counter. Oyarzabal hit the post with a powerful shot. Brais, with a header from a corner, almost equalized. The referee didn't call a penalty despite Morata's handball. Eventually, Real Sociedad equalized after a great assist from Carlos Fernández that Oyarzabal calmly scored. However, the referee awarded a penalty to Atlético, and Griezmann secured the victory.
This defeat hurts. It hasn’t been fair to award a penalty to one side and not to the other. Now it’s time to rest during the international break and focus on what's ahead. Aurrera Reala!
Match sheet:
Atlético de Madrid: Oblak, Molina, Azpilicueta (Savic, min. 79), Witsel, M. Hermoso, S. Lino (Javi Galán, min. 79), Koke (capt.), M. Llorente (Saúl, min. 72), R. de Paul (Riquelme, min. 72), Griezmann, and Morata.
Real Sociedad: A. Remiro, H. Traoré, Zubeldia, Le Normand (Pacheco, min. 65), Aihen, Zubimendi, Merino (Zakharyan, min. 65), Brais Méndez, Take (Carlos Fdez., min. 65), Barrene (Sadiq, min. 90), and Oyarzabal (capt.) (André Silva, min. 90).
Goals: 1-0: S. Lino, min. 22; 1-1: Oyarzabal, min. 73
Referee: Munuera Montero. Booked Koke, Griezmann, and Javi Galán for Atlético and Le Normand, H. Traoré, and Carlos Fdez for Real Sociedad.