In a stunning display of offensive might, Alexander Sørloth made LaLiga history on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as he led Atlético de Madrid to a resounding 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The Norwegian striker not only scored four goals in the first half but also set the record for the fastest hat-trick in LaLiga history, completing his trio of goals in just 3 minutes and 57 seconds.
The match began with an electric atmosphere as fans filled the stadium, and it didn't take long for Sørloth to make his mark. He opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a clinical volley, expertly connecting with a right-sided delivery from teammate Pablo Barrios. This early goal set the tone for what would become an unforgettable afternoon for the home side.
Just a few minutes later, in the 10th minute, Sørloth doubled Atlético's lead. After a precise buildup, he found space inside the box, where he unleashed a low, angled shot that nestled into the far corner of the net. The crowd erupted as the scoreboard displayed 2-0, and the momentum was firmly in Atlético's favor.
However, the best was yet to come. Barely a minute after his second goal, Sørloth showcased his opportunism in the 11th minute. A defensive mishap from Sociedad allowed a loose ball to fall directly into his path, and he wasted no time in smashing it home, completing his hat-trick in record time. This goal not only marked the fastest hat-trick in LaLiga history, surpassing David Villa's previous record set in 2006, but also made Sørloth the first player to score a hat-trick within the first 11 minutes of a match.
As if that wasn't enough, the striker added his fourth goal in the 30th minute. Following a brilliant run down the left wing by Samuel Lino, Sørloth demonstrated his technical prowess by controlling the ball with a deft touch before calmly finishing past Sociedad's goalkeeper, Álex Remiro. By the time the halftime whistle blew, Atlético Madrid was comfortably ahead 4-0, and Sørloth had firmly established himself as the star of the match.
This performance was not just a personal triumph for Sørloth but also a crucial victory for Atlético Madrid, who have had a challenging second half of the season. With this win, they opened up a nine-point cushion over Athletic Club, solidifying their position in the top four of the league standings. Coach Diego Simeone praised his team's effort, stating, "It was a complete performance, and Sørloth was simply phenomenal today. His ability to find the back of the net with such precision is invaluable to our campaign."
Sørloth's remarkable day on the pitch has not only elevated his status within the team but also reignited discussions about his future. At 28 years old, he has often been utilized from the bench throughout the season, but this match showcased his potential as a leading striker. With 17 goals in LaLiga, he now leads his teammates in scoring, surpassing Julian Alvarez, who has 15 goals. His impressive tally places him fourth in the race for the prestigious Pichichi Trophy, trailing only behind football giants Robert Lewandowski, Kylian Mbappé, and Ante Budimir.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Real Sociedad's performance raised concerns for manager Imanol Alguacil. Their defensive line, usually known for its organization, was repeatedly exposed by Sørloth's relentless attacking. Alguacil will need to address the tactical shortcomings that allowed Atlético to dominate the match. After the game, he remarked, "We need to learn from this experience and ensure we are better prepared in future matches. We cannot afford to make mistakes against top teams like Atlético."
As the season progresses, this match will be remembered not only for Sørloth's record-setting performance but also for its implications in the race for European football. Atlético Madrid's resurgence in form could not have come at a better time, especially as they aim for a strong finish in LaLiga. With four matches remaining, the team is focused on securing a solid third-place finish and potentially challenging for second.
In the grand scheme of LaLiga, Sørloth's historic hat-trick adds another chapter to the league's rich history of remarkable performances. Comparisons to legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are inevitable, as Sørloth's ability to deliver in high-stakes situations showcases the caliber of talent present in modern football.
As Atlético Madrid prepares for their upcoming fixtures, the emergence of Sørloth as a dominant force in their attack provides renewed hope for fans and players alike. Whether he can maintain this level of performance remains to be seen, but for now, Alexander Sørloth stands as a beacon of hope for a team looking to reclaim its status among Spain's elite.
With this emphatic display, Sørloth has not only etched his name in LaLiga history but has also sent a clear message to his rivals: underestimate him at your own peril. As the final stretch of the season approaches, all eyes will be on the Norwegian striker as he aims to lead Atlético Madrid to further glory.
