Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad shared the spoils in a gripping 1-1 draw at the Estadio Municipal de Anoeta on January 4, 2026, as the La Liga season resumed with a clash full of storylines, tactical intrigue, and late drama. The Basque side, under the fresh leadership of American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, held their own against Diego Simeone’s high-flying Atlético, who arrived in San Sebastián on the back of a four-game winning streak and a formidable record in this fixture.
This match marked a new era for Real Sociedad. Just weeks after his December 20 appointment, Matarazzo made his managerial debut, tasked with reversing the club’s recent struggles. Real Sociedad, languishing in 16th place with 17 points from 17 matches, had not tasted victory in their previous four league outings. The team’s defensive frailties were compounded by the suspensions of Igor Zubeldia and Jon Gorrotxategi, while Yangel Herrera remained a doubt due to a soleus injury. However, there was a glimmer of hope in the return of captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who had recovered from a hamstring issue and featured in the prior 1-1 draw with Levante.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, arrived brimming with confidence. Sitting fourth in La Liga with 37 points and having won eight of their last ten league games, Simeone’s men were clear favorites. Their attacking trident of Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sørloth, and Antoine Griezmann had been in scintillating form, with Griezmann finding the net in their recent 3-0 demolition of Girona. Despite missing Clément Lenglet—still sidelined with a knee injury—and having Nicolás González face a late fitness test, Atlético’s squad depth looked formidable.
The opening exchanges saw both sides probe for weaknesses. Real Sociedad, bolstered by the energy of Oyarzabal and the creative spark of Takefusa Kubo, pressed high and looked to unsettle Atlético’s backline. Early on, chances were at a premium, with both teams defending resolutely. Atlético’s Jan Oblak was called into action to deny Carlos Soler and Brais Méndez, while Álex Remiro kept out efforts from Marcos Llorente and Julián Álvarez.
The first half was a cagey affair, marked by physical duels and tactical discipline. Both teams traded corners and set pieces, but clear-cut opportunities were scarce. Atlético’s Matteo Ruggeri and Real Sociedad’s Duje Caleta-Car both found their names in the referee’s book as tempers flared. The home crowd, sensing the importance of the occasion, urged their side forward, but the breakthrough proved elusive. As the teams headed into the break, the scoreline remained locked at 0-0.
The second half, however, burst into life. Atlético Madrid, looking to assert their dominance, pressed higher up the pitch. Their persistence paid off in the 54th minute. Giuliano Simeone, the son of the Atlético boss, whipped in a teasing cross from the right, and Alexander Sørloth rose highest to power a header past Remiro from close range. The visitors celebrated as Sørloth’s goal gave them a deserved 1-0 lead, and it looked as though Atlético were on course to extend their impressive run at the Reale Arena.
But Real Sociedad, determined to mark Matarazzo’s debut with a statement, refused to wilt. The Basque side responded with renewed urgency, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. Their efforts were rewarded in the 77th minute, when Takefusa Kubo led a lightning-fast counterattack. Kubo’s incisive pass found Gonçalo Guedes, who rifled a right-footed shot into the top left corner, sending the home fans into raptures. The scoreboard now read 1-1, and the momentum shifted as both teams sensed an opportunity to snatch all three points.
The final stages of the match were frenetic. Substitutions from both managers injected fresh legs and attacking impetus—Arsen Zakharyan and Orri Óskarsson entered for Sociedad, while Giacomo Raspadori, Antoine Griezmann, and Johnny Cardoso came on for Atlético. Remiro and Oblak traded spectacular saves, with the latter denying Kubo and Méndez on several occasions. The tension was palpable as the fourth official signaled four minutes of added time, but neither side could find a winner.
Statistically, the match was a showcase of two contrasting styles. Real Sociedad, despite their recent struggles, managed to outshoot their visitors, registering several attempts on goal and pressing aggressively in midfield. Atlético, true to Simeone’s ethos, relied on defensive solidity—having conceded just 16 goals in 18 matches, the best record in La Liga at the time. Offensively, Atlético had scored 33 goals in 18 matches, ranking fourth in the league, while Sociedad’s tally of 21 goals from 17 games left them 10th in the scoring charts.
Individual performances stood out. For Atlético, Sørloth’s goal was a testament to his aerial prowess and positioning, while Giuliano Simeone’s assist highlighted the depth of talent at Simeone’s disposal. For Sociedad, Kubo’s creative vision and Guedes’ clinical finish provided a glimpse of what the new regime might offer. The home side’s resilience, especially in the face of key absences, will give Matarazzo reason for optimism as he looks to steer the club away from the relegation zone.
The draw means Atlético Madrid remain unbeaten in their last nine meetings with Real Sociedad, maintaining their strong recent record in this fixture. Though the result wasn’t the win Simeone’s side had hoped for, it keeps them firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification. For Real Sociedad, the point halts a run of defeats and offers a platform for Matarazzo to build upon as he continues to implement his tactical philosophy.
Looking ahead, both teams face crucial fixtures in the coming weeks. Atlético will aim to rediscover their winning touch and keep pace with La Liga’s front-runners, while Real Sociedad, buoyed by a spirited performance, will seek to climb the table and banish the specter of relegation. On a night of new beginnings and hard-fought football, neither side could claim all the glory, but both emerged with reasons to believe in what lies ahead.
