Real Sociedad v Atlético Madrid Match Report, 12/22/2020, First Division

Atlético de Madrid proved once again that they will hold back a bit in the LaLiga title race, as they managed a commendable 2-0 win at Real Sociedad to go three points clear at the top despite not count on the injured Joao Félix.

Diego Simeone’s men could not dominate a Real Sociedad team full of offensive talent, but Atlético’s defense was as reliable as ever and even put them on their way with the first goal through central Mario Hermoso.

Arguably the defender had come closer than anyone to the first goal in a first half that was intriguing, if not exhilarating.

But in the 49th minute, Atlético, so often a threat on set pieces, took the lead thanks to Hermoso’s timely header on a free kick.

Marcos Llorente doubled the lead towards the end, meaning early-season leader La Real is now in danger of breaking out of the top four after his LaLiga winless streak extended to six games.

2018 – Mario Hermoso was the first Atlético defender to score a free-kick in #The league since November 2018 when Diego Godín scored in extra time against Athletic at the Wanda Metropolitano. Return#RealSociedadAtleti #AtleticodeMadrid @atletienglish pic.twitter.com/yriVnLDkoA

– OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 22, 2020

A well-contested first half brought a lot of clean football but few clear chances, with both defenders extremely well organized.

It looked like the hosts had opened Atlético in the 20th minute, with David Silva in a dizzying run down the right flank, but his cut was crucially intercepted before Willian José could jump.

Shortly after, at the other end, Hermoso had a header from a corner blocked by Andoni Gorosabel right in front of the goal, although it could have gone astray.

That was a warning La Real missed when Hermoso broke the deadlock right after the restart, emphatically overtaking Alex Remiro from Yannick Carrasco’s free-kick.

La Real’s response was disappointing, Atlético’s defense remained unfazed and the visitors sealed the points with 16 minutes remaining.

Carrasco elbowed Luis Suárez’s pass to Llorente, and the midfielder’s left-foot strike from the edge of the area left Remiro defenseless.

What does that mean? A statement victory for Simeone

Even with La Real’s recent struggles, this was always a difficult matter and a potential banana peel for Atlético – the Basque team’s range of offensive talents is impressive.

But Atlético surpassed them and their more direct approach paid off, as La Real only managed six shots and only one went on target. His most clinical visitors had eight, three of them on target.

Of course, Atletico critics will still point to the Madrid derby defeat as a cause for concern, but against the rest they have been largely impeccable. They won’t have many potentially tougher trips than this and they will still have two games in hand over Zinedine Zidane’s men after they face Granada on Wednesday.

Carrasco brings creativity in the absence of Joao Félix

Losing Joao Félix was a huge blow given his importance for Atlético this season, but credit to Carrasco: the Belgian was a real force on the left flank. He led his team forward with real purpose and only Koke (65 touches) saw the ball more than he (64 touches). His 15 duels played and four key passes were top of the game, while he established both goals. Almost perfect from the extreme.

Portu fails to impose itself

In an impressive season, this was an unforgettable day for Portu. He tried to operate in the channel between Carrasco and Hermoso, but got few changes from the central. All he had to show for his efforts was a single shot, with no key passes, before being retired in the 74th minute. He had only 16 touches, the fewest of all players to start the game.

Whats Next?

Atlético return to action after Christmas on December 30 when they host nearby Getafe at the Wanda Metropolitano. La Real have one more day to prepare for their Basque derby against Athletic Bilbao on New Year’s Eve.