Report: Atlético held to a draw by Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Atleti stumble at Anoeta, breaking the streak of good results the rojiblancos had been enjoying in the last matches of the year. The top of the table now seems quite far away heading into the second half of the season, but there are plenty of important challenges just around the corner, so there’s no time to dwell on the draw against Real Sociedad.

The first half was something of a stalemate, or a period of feeling each other out, with both teams creating some clear chances. Oyarzabal had a great opportunity right at the start, firing a powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the box that went very close to Oblak’s left post.

There was also a clear chance for Julián Álvarez, who couldn’t quite connect properly with the ball after it fell to his feet from a corner (he also had another opportunity thanks to a great assist from Baena after a pass from Ruggeri).

But the clearest chance of the match came with a goal that was ultimately disallowed, just one minute before the end of the first half. Carlos Soler took a free kick brilliantly, sending the ball into the back of the net. However, the goal was ruled out due to interference from Brais Méndez, who tried to get on the end of the cross. He didn’t manage to touch it, but he did interfere with the play, so the goal was correctly disallowed.

Second half of goals and missed chances

The second half began with the bad news of Pablo Barrios being substituted due to some discomfort, which we hope won’t prevent him from being at his best for the upcoming Super Cup matches.

Aside from that, the second forty-five minutes were much more entertaining and exciting, with goals and chances for both teams, either of whom could have taken the win. Giuliano was once again decisive and impactful right at the start of the second half, breaking down the wing and delivering a cross to the far post, where Sorloth headed home perfectly to score the first goal of the match and Atleti’s first of 2026.

That opening goal should have been the decisive factor in the outcome of the match. After having some chances, Real were overwhelmed in those early moments following the goal, and Atlético couldn’t seal the win when they had the chance.

Baena spotted Gallagher and left him one-on-one with the Real keeper, but he sent it wide (the shot didn’t even hit the target). It was the kind of chance that can determine the outcome of a match.

And with Real still alive in the match, the equalizer came. They broke down the right, and Kubo sent a ball to Guedes, who beat Oblak in the 55th minute.

From then until the end, the match could have been decided at either end, with both Oblak and Remiro making crucial saves. Especially in the 82nd minute, when Griezmann was left alone against Remiro with the win and three points at his feet. But the Frenchman tried to chip the ball over the Basque team’s keeper, who wasn’t fooled and saved it easily, abruptly ending the chance.

In the end, a draw that could have been a defeat if the last shot of the match hadn’t gone just wide of Oblak’s post, but Carlos Soler missed by inches, so it’s a point earned and time to focus on the next match, with a title at stake. Madrid and the Super Cup are up next.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.