This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Nicolás González was the standout player of the match, scoring twice to secure Atlético Madrid's 3-2 victory over Real Sociedad in a La Liga encounter that served as a rehearsal for the Copa del Rey final, scheduled for April 18, helping his team maintain third place. The forward, who returned to the pitch after a five-game absence, was decisive by scoring both goals that sealed the Colchoneros' triumph. Gonçalo Guedes was not a starter for the Basques, coming on only in the 55th minute with the score at 1-1. The first goal came after a back-heel assist from Griezmann, and the second was a header from a cross by Ruggeri. Despite both coaches, Simeone and Matarazzo, making several changes to their teams, the game at the Metropolitano, in front of 60,000 spectators, was played at a high pace with vertical football. Atlético Madrid dominated most of the match and deservedly claimed all three points. The scoring was opened just five minutes in by Sorloth, who continues to be a real headache for his former team. After a throw-in from Giuliano, Giménez deflected the ball, and the Norwegian scored at the near post, marking his seventh goal in six games against Real Sociedad. The Basque team's response was swift, and just four minutes later, Carlos Soler equalized with a beautifully placed goal. In a quick transition, Sucic assisted the Valencia midfielder, who shot accurately into the back of the net. Atlético did not let the equalizer affect them and continued to control the game, looking for the flanks with Giuliano and Lookman, and long passes from Koke or Hancko. However, the home team struggled with finishing. Before halftime, Rodrigo Mendoza was forced to leave due to injury after a challenge from Barrene. In the second half, Simeone exhausted his substitutions in just 15 minutes, already thinking about the upcoming match against Tottenham. The changes paid off in the 67th minute when Nico González made it 2-1: in an individual play, the ball fell to Griezmann, who with a back-heel touch set up the Argentine for the goal. The lead lasted only a moment. In the next minute, Oyarzabal, with a spectacular shot from outside the box, made it 2-2, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. However, Nico González had not yet said his last word. In the 81st minute, the forward took advantage of a cross from Ruggeri and, with a header, fixed the final score at 3-2, marking a grand return. Real Sociedad was unable to respond to the deficit.
Copa del Rey Real Sociedad remains central to this story.
Copa del Rey Real Sociedad remains central to this story.
Read more in La Liga news. and related tags: Copa del Rey, Real Sociedad.