Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad
La Liga
Sunday
8th October 2023
Wanda Metropolitano
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the gameweek nine La Liga fixture between Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad.
Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad: Preview
Atletico Madrid form analysis
Atleti began September in rampant fashion, destroying Rayo Vallecano 7-0 away in a ruthless attacking display led by hat-tricks from Morata and Correa. However, defensive issues surfaced in a heavy 0-3 home loss to Valencia. Atletico did bounce back to beat rivals Real Madrid 3-1 at home thanks to goals from Morata, Griezmann and Correa. They made it back-to-back wins by beating Osasuna 2-0 away courtesy of strikes from Griezmann and Riquelme. Most recently, Atletico returned to winning ways in dramatic fashion, coming from two down to beat Cadiz 3-2 through goals from Correa (2) and Molina.
Overall, Atletico have showcased their impressive attacking arsenal, with the likes of Morata, Griezmann and Correa in excellent form. But Simeone’s normally solid defense has looked unusually vulnerable at times. However, they have struggled to break down defensive teams like Valencia at times. If Atletico can strike the right balance, they still have a very strong squad. But a more consistent level of performance will be required as the season progresses.
Real Sociedad form analysis
Sociedad began with an entertaining 5-3 home win over Granada, highlighted by goals from Kubo, Zubimendi and Barrenetxea. However, they then suffered a tight 1-2 away loss at Real Madrid, going ahead early before losing to goals from Valverde and Joselu.
Sociedad did respond with an excellent 4-3 home win over Getafe in a thriller settled by Oyarzabal’s double. They made it back-to-back wins by edging past Valencia 1-0 away thanks to Fernandez’s strike. Most recently, Sociedad earned their best result yet, comfortably dispatching Athletic Bilbao 3-0 at home courtesy of goals from Le Normand, Kubo and Oyarzabal.
Overall, it’s been an encouraging start to the season for Sociedad under new boss Imanol Alguacil. They’ve showcased their attacking potential, with Kubo, Oyarzabal and Barrenetxea impressing. Defensively there have been some concerns though, highlighted in the 3 goals conceded to both Granada and Getafe. Avoiding open games like that is key if Sociedad are to challenge for Champions League qualification this term. But the wins over Valencia and Athletic demonstrated they can compete with Spain’s best when focused.
