Atletico Madrid is gearing up for an important La Liga clash as they welcome Real Sociedad to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The stakes are high, with both teams looking to improve their standings in the league, but Atletico is particularly eager to secure a Champions League spot.
Both teams come into this match following goalless draws in their previous outings. Atletico Madrid faced Deportivo Alaves and were unable to find the back of the net, while Real Sociedad played to a stalemate against local rivals Athletic Bilbao. With both teams seeking to break the deadlock, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Kickoff for the match is set for 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET. Fans in the United States can catch the action live through a variety of streaming services including Fubo, ESPN+, DirecTV Stream, and ESPN Deportes. For those traveling abroad, using a virtual private network (VPN) like NordVPN can help maintain access to your usual streaming service.
In terms of team news, Atletico Madrid will be without their top goalscorer, Julian Alvarez, who is serving a suspension due to the accumulation of yellow cards. This presents a significant challenge for coach Diego Simeone, who will likely turn to Alexander Sorloth to fill the void alongside Antoine Griezmann in the attack. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Riquelme is a doubt due to a muscular issue, adding to Simeone's selection headaches.
On the other side, Real Sociedad will miss midfielder Arsen Zakharyan, who is sidelined with a thigh problem. However, Martin Zubimendi is expected to start despite being linked with a potential move away from the club. Coach Imanol Alguacil may also have to make adjustments, as Orri Oskarsson, Igor Zubeldia, and Alvaro Odriozola are all doubtful for the match. Jon Aramburu and Luka Sucic could see recalls to the starting lineup as Sociedad looks to regain their form.
Historically, Atletico Madrid has dominated this matchup. The two teams have faced each other 161 times in all competitions, with Atletico claiming victory in 78 of those encounters compared to Sociedad's 47 wins. Furthermore, Atletico is unbeaten in their last six league meetings against Sociedad, including a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Atletico Madrid currently holds a six-point lead over fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao and has lost just one of their last five league games. They are coming off a goalless draw with Deportivo Alaves, but their recent form has been solid, with three wins in their last five matches. In contrast, Real Sociedad sits in 11th place in the league table with 42 points and has struggled with form, going winless in their last four league outings.
Despite their recent struggles, Sociedad remains in contention for European qualification, trailing seventh-placed Celta Vigo by just four points. However, they have the joint-third worst defensive record in La Liga this season, having scored only 32 goals in 34 games. This could be a crucial factor as they face an Atletico side that has been strong at home.
Atletico has suffered only one home loss in La Liga this season, which came against Barcelona in March. With their impressive home record, they are strong favorites heading into this match. They have also scored at least two goals in nine of their last eleven home meetings against Sociedad, showcasing their attacking prowess.
As the match approaches, both teams are aware of the importance of securing three points. Atletico aims to solidify their position in the Champions League spots, while Real Sociedad is desperate to find a way back to winning form and push for European qualification. With the stakes high, fans can expect an intense and competitive match.
As for predictions, many analysts believe Atletico Madrid will emerge victorious, potentially with a scoreline of 2-1. However, given the unpredictable nature of football, anything can happen on the day. Both teams will be looking to capitalize on any defensive lapses and find the back of the net.
In conclusion, as Atletico Madrid prepares to host Real Sociedad, the match promises to be a captivating encounter filled with excitement and drama. With both teams eager to secure vital points in their respective quests, fans are in for a treat. Will Atletico continue their strong home form, or can Sociedad pull off an upset? Only time will tell as the action unfolds at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.
