On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Atlético de Madrid will face Real Sociedad at 16:00 (Brasilia time) in the 35th round of La Liga at the Estádio Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid. This clash is pivotal for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the season, with Atlético aiming for a Champions League spot and Real Sociedad fighting for a chance at European competition.
Currently, Atlético de Madrid sits in 3rd place in the Spanish Championship with 67 points, showcasing a strong season marked by a solid defense and an effective attack. The team has scored 56 goals while only conceding 27 throughout 34 rounds, making them one of the toughest teams to beat in La Liga. Their recent performance has been mixed, with a draw against Alavés last week, but the colchoneros are determined to secure a win at home to solidify their Champions League ambitions.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad is positioned in 11th place with 43 points. The team has had its struggles this season, managing to score only 32 goals while conceding 37. They come into this match after a goalless draw against Athletic Bilbao, and they need to maximize their points to keep their hopes alive for European competition next season. Despite their current standing, they have shown flashes of brilliance and can be dangerous, especially in direct encounters.
Betting odds indicate that Atlético de Madrid is the favorite to win this matchup, with odds ranging from 1.62 to 1.67 for a home victory. In contrast, Real Sociedad's odds for a win are significantly higher, ranging from 5.40 to 5.60. This disparity reflects the teams' current form and standings, but as history shows, anything can happen in football.
One of the key players to watch for Atlético is Julián Álvarez, who has been in phenomenal form this season. With 30 goals and 9 assists in 63 games, Álvarez has proven to be a crucial asset for the team. In fact, he has scored in three of the last five matches against Real Sociedad, demonstrating his ability to find the net against solid defenses. Betting tips suggest placing a wager on Álvarez to score at any moment during the match, with odds set at 2.50.
The historical context of this rivalry adds another layer of excitement to the match. In their last six encounters, five have seen both teams find the back of the net, indicating a trend of competitive and entertaining matches. The most recent meeting occurred on October 6, 2024, where the teams played to a 1-1 draw. Prior to that, Atlético secured victories in the previous two encounters, including a 2-0 win on May 25, 2024.
As for the expected lineups, Atlético de Madrid is likely to field Jan Oblak in goal, with a defense comprising Marcos Llorente, Clément Lenglet, Robin Le Normand, and Javi Galán. The midfield will feature Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Pablo Barrios, and Conor Gallagher, while Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez lead the attack. Coach Diego Simeone will be looking for a strong performance from his squad to maintain their position in the top three.
Real Sociedad will likely counter with Álex Remiro in goal, supported by a backline of Hamari Traoré, Nayef Aguerd, Jon Martín, and Aihen Muñoz. The midfield will consist of Martin Zubimendi, Takefusa Kubo, and Brais Méndez, while Pablo Marín, Sergio Gómez, and Mikel Oyarzabal will aim to provide the attacking threat up front. Imanol Alguacil, the Sociedad coach, will be hoping for a resilient performance to upset the odds.
This match is not just critical for the teams' standings but also an opportunity for players to shine on a big stage. The atmosphere at the Estádio Riyadh Air Metropolitano is expected to be electric, with Atlético fans cheering their team on to victory. The stakes are high, and both teams will be eager to secure a crucial three points.
Fans can catch the action live on ESPN and streaming on Disney+, ensuring that supporters don’t miss a moment of this exciting encounter. As the countdown to kickoff continues, anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling match between two competitive sides.
In summary, the matchup between Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad is set to be a captivating affair. With each team having their own motivations and key players to watch, fans can expect an engaging contest that could have significant implications for the remainder of the season.
