Real Sociedad – Atlético Madrid: Late Goals Secured The Three Points For Simeone’s Side (0-3)

Real Sociedad and Atlético Madrid's overloads allowed both teams to break down each other's out-of-possession setups. However, Matarazzo and Simeone's sides failed to work the ball into dangerous areas until the penalty that paved the road for Atlético Madrid. After that, Los Rojiblancos exposed Sociedad frailties from dead ball situations and transitions.

Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri.

After four months as Real Sociedad's manager, Pellegrino Matarazzo led the San Sebastián club to win a major trophy. In April 2026, Real Sociedad defeated Atlético Madrid in the Copa Del Rey final. That victory secured a ticket for Matarazzo's team to participate in the Europa League for the 2026/27 season. Real Sociedad won only two of their five games, lost two games, and sealed a draw against Celta Vigo before facing Atlético Madrid.

Amid the controversies surrounding Atlético Madrid regarding Julián Álvarez, Diego Simeone's side underperformed at the start of the 2026/27 season. Los Rojiblancos came out victorious on two occasions, shared a point with Villarreal, and lost to Athletic Club at San Mamés. That saw Atlético Madrid occupy seventh place in La Liga before heading to San Sebastián. Not only that, but Simeone's side lost the opening game in the Champions League against Liverpool at Anfield.

Against Real Sociedad, Diego Simeone started the same backline as in the Liverpool game. Marc Pubill, Cristian Romero, David Hancko, and Marcus Llorente remained intact. Simeone fielded a different pivot partnership as Morten Hjulmand joined Alex Baena in the middle of . . .