Gonzalez nets a pair to secure Atleticos victory against Real Sociedad

Nicolas Gonzalez scored two goals for Atletico Madrid in a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Real Sociedad during La Liga action on Saturday.

Under Diego Simeone, the team solidified their third position, pulling ahead of Villarreal in fourth by three points, with the latter facing Elche on Sunday.

This marked just the second loss for Real Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo across his 14 games in charge, as the Basque outfit has climbed to eighth in the standings since he took over.

Both clubs advanced to the Copa del Rey final earlier this week, turning this encounter into a preview of their April clash in Seville.

Atleticos Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth, enjoying a hot streak in 2026, bagged his sixth goal in five outings to strike first after merely five minutes.

The striker quickly pounced on Jose Gimenezs header from a lengthy throw into the penalty area and rifled it in.

Carlos Soler, also in fine fettle, restored parity for La Real by deftly controlling Luka Sucics pass before slotting it away neatly.

Sorloth kept troubling the away defence, sending a shot just over before halftime and seeing another deflected narrowly wide after the interval.

Gonzalez missed a chance to restore the lead sooner than the 67th minute, firing high from near the goal, but he soon made amends.

Atletico replacement Antoine Griezmann set it up with a clever backheel, allowing Gonzalez to compose himself and finish calmly.

Real Sociedad responded instantly, as Mikel Oyarzabal unleashed a fierce drive from outside the box into Jan Oblaks near corner.

Yet Gonzalez struck once more for Simeoones squad, rising to head in Matteo Ruggieris inswinging delivery from the flank.

The 27 year old Argentine, borrowed from Juventus, previously worked under Matarazzo at Stuttgart, and the duo exchanged smiles post match, aware of their upcoming rematch with silverware at stake in April.