In a stunning display of offensive prowess, Atlético de Madrid triumphed over Real Sociedad with a commanding 4-0 victory on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The match, part of the 35th round of LaLiga EA Sports, saw Alexander Sorloth steal the spotlight, scoring all four goals within the first half, marking a historic achievement as he recorded the earliest poker (four goals) in LaLiga history.
Julián Álvarez, Atlético's usual star forward, was sidelined for this crucial clash due to a suspension after accumulating five yellow cards. His absence opened the door for Sorloth, who seized the opportunity and delivered an unforgettable performance. Just seven minutes into the match, Sorloth opened the scoring, capitalizing on a defensive error to volley home a well-placed cross from Pablo Barrios. The crowd erupted as the home team took an early lead, signaling the start of a remarkable first half.
Only three minutes later, Sorloth struck again. After Atlético pressured Real Sociedad near the midfield, he received the ball and skillfully slotted it into the net, doubling his team’s advantage to 2-0. The Norweigan forward was relentless, and at the 11-minute mark, he completed his hat-trick in a mere four minutes. Following a chaotic sequence in the box, he pounced on a loose ball and fired it past the goalkeeper, making it 3-0.
As the first half progressed, Sorloth was far from done. In the 30th minute, he scored his fourth goal, finishing off a swift counter-attack with a powerful left-footed strike from just outside the area. His remarkable performance not only thrilled the home fans but also ensured that Atlético Madrid would secure their third-place position in the league and a spot in the upcoming Champions League, marking their 13th consecutive qualification.
"It was an incredible feeling to score four goals in such a crucial match," Sorloth said after the game. "The team played well, and I was just in the right place at the right time. We knew we had to win to secure our Champions League spot, and I’m glad we did it in style."
Despite Atlético's dominance, the match statistics revealed a more balanced possession battle, with Real Sociedad holding 57% to Atlético's 43%. However, the visitors struggled offensively, managing only two shots on target, both easily handled by the Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Diego Simeone, Atlético's head coach, praised his team's performance, particularly highlighting Sorloth's contribution. "We knew we had to step up without Julián. Alexander showed his quality today and took full advantage of the opportunity," Simeone stated. "This win is a testament to our squad depth and determination."
In the second half, the excitement waned as Atlético maintained control of the match. Simeone made several substitutions, including bringing on Ángel Correa for Sorloth in the 74th minute, who left the field to a standing ovation from the home crowd. The remaining minutes were largely uneventful, with Atlético focusing on preserving their lead.
Real Sociedad's coach, Imanol Alguacil, faced questions about his team's lackluster performance. "We didn’t show up today, and that’s disappointing. We need to regroup and focus on our upcoming matches," he acknowledged. The defeat leaves Real Sociedad struggling to maintain their position in the European spots, a stark contrast to Atlético's celebratory atmosphere.
As the match concluded, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans celebrating a crucial victory that solidified Atlético's standing in LaLiga. The final whistle marked not only a significant win but also a memorable night for Sorloth, who etched his name in LaLiga history with a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
Looking ahead, Atlético Madrid will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next fixtures, while Real Sociedad will need to find a way to bounce back from this heavy defeat. The stakes are high as both teams continue their campaigns in the final stretch of the season, with Atlético firmly in the hunt for a strong finish and Real Sociedad fighting to reclaim their spot in European competition.
