Perseverance pays off

Real Sociedad secured a 1-1 draw against Atlético de Madrid this evening at the Reale Arena, having dominated the majority of the match against an opponent that focused on defense after taking an early lead. Sučić's stunning goal equalized the score with just ten minutes remaining, ensuring a fair outcome.

The match got off to a rocky start for the home side. Within the first minute, the visitors went ahead with a well-placed left-footed shot from Julián Álvarez. From that moment on, the Txuri-Urdin took control, dictating the pace of the game. Their best opportunity came from a corner when Zubimendi's header was followed by a rebound attempt from Aguerd, but Oblak's remarkable double save kept Real from scoring. The side from San Sebastian kept pressing, with Take, incisive on the right wing, testing the visiting goalkeeper just before the break.

Shortly after the second half began, Atlético came close to doubling their lead during a counterattack, but Nahuel Molina's header from Griezmann's cross sailed over the crossbar. Despite the visitors' efforts to maintain their advantage, the Txuri-Urdin’s dominance was undeniable. After numerous attempts, Sučić delivered a moment of brilliance, leveling the match with a spectacular left-footed strike. Not satisfied with just a draw, Take nearly turned the tide with a powerful shot that narrowly missed.

A well-deserved point for a Real side that relentlessly sought the goal, which is no small feat against a team that primarily focused on defending throughout the match. Now, the team will take a break for international duties, returning in two weeks to face Girona FC at Montilivi.

Match sheet:

Real Sociedad: A. Remiro, Aramburu, Zubeldia, N. Aguerd, Javi López (Brais Méndez, min. 46), Zubimendi, Sučić, Sergio Gómez, Take, Oyarzabal (cap.), and Becker (Barrene, min. 61).

Atlético de Madrid: Oblak, Molina, Witsel, J. M. Giménez, Lenglet, Javi Galán (Reinildo, min. 83), Koke (cap.), Barios, Gallagher (R. De Paul, min. 64), Griezmann (Riquelme, min. 83), and J. Álvarez (Sørloth, min. 74).

Goals: 0-1: J. Álvarez, min. 1; 1-1: Sučić, min. 84.

Referee: Díaz de Mera. Booked Lenglet and Javi Galán for Atlético de Madrid.