Atlético Madrid started 2026 with an underwhelming bump in the Basque Country, drawing 1-1 away to Real Sociedad.
A first half that stunk of a Christmas hangover preceded a short spell of positivity at the start of the second, when Alexander Sørloth put Los Rojiblancos a goal to the good on 50 minutes.
It only took the hosts five minutes to find the equaliser through Gonçalo Guedes, and Atleti played out the rest of the match with little to no threat of finding a winner.
Into the Calderón brings you
the player ratings for this one.
Player Ratings
Jan Oblak: Made seven saves — a number of them good ones — namely from Brais Méndez early on and Take Kubo in the second half. Our octopus is rediscovering some form of old. 6
Marcos Llorente: The new Filipe Luis lookalike didn’t do a lot wrong today, but will be frustrated with the way he was left stranded by his defense and midfield. For all the adventures we see the left-backs on down the other flank, there have been less and less from Llorente in recent matches. 4
Marc Pubill: His partnership with Hancko is looking increasingly solid. Pubill’s job now will be to maintain his level alongside whoever comes up next to him. The Le Normand connection is yet to be fully formed, you feel. 5
Dávid Hancko: Once again having to cover Ruggeri’s tracks, before replacing him at left-back at half time. Struggled to make any impact from the wide position in the second period, which can hopefully be resolved in this month’s transfer window. 4
Matteo Ruggeri: Was given the run-around by Kubo, and consequently picked up a yellow card for unnecessarily pulling the Japanese player down in an off the ball incident. El Cholo wasn’t taking any chances, and hooked Ruggeri off at half time. 3
Giuliano Simeone: His assist for Sørloth’s opener is a great example of how Giuliano has improved his game. The driving, trademark sprint down the right wing is second nature to the Argentine. But the addition of getting his head up, seeing his teammates, and delivering an inch perfect cross is what has taken his game up a notch. Unfortunately, Giuli offered little else in this game. 4
Pablo Barrios: In a first half with very little to get excited about, I thought Barrios was the one source of energy that the team needed. Needless to say I was baffled to see him taken off at the break, only to learn later that he was experiencing muscular discomfort. An important fixture in Saudi Arabia on Thursday could have influenced the decision. 6
Koke: Didn’t quite put his typical stamp of authority on this match, instead relinquishing control to his Basque counterparts. Off on 72 minutes after spending 12 of them sharing the role with Johnny Cardoso. It has to be one or the other, Mr. Simeone. 4
Álex Baena: Is he good at football? Yes, very. Is he able to create chances? Yes, lots. Does he have a clear place in this team? No, not at all. Baena has only played the full 90 minutes once all season, and it’s clear that Simeone is still yet to get the best out of him. Should have had an assist to his name at 1-0 up, but Gallagher fumbled the opportunity. 5
Julián Alvarez: Another frustrating performance from the new father. I’d like to put it down to sleepless nights and constant new parent anxiety, but unfortunately this has been a recurring theme. Two chances in the opening 12 minutes went begging from the boots of la araña, who could really do with a goal. Off on the hour. 3
Alexander Sørloth: Nodded one in at the wrong end which was luckily ruled out for an offside, before heading in the correct net to put Atlético 1-0 up. I liked his movement and constant ability to be on the end of crosses — something that can’t be said for all of his performances. A rare full 90 minutes against his old club paired with a goal will satisfy him on a personal level. 6
Substitutes
Robin Le Normand: Came on at half time to send Hancko out wide to fill Ruggeri’s position. Questions will be asked of the Spaniard as to the role he played in Guedes’ levelling goal which put Llorente and co out of position at the back. 3
Conor Gallagher: Squandered a great chance to double Atleti’s lead shortly after Sørloth’s header. La Real made him rue that opportunity by equalising a couple minutes later. 3
Johnny Cardoso: Struggling to remember any key involvements for better or worse by the American, which may not be a bad thing. I’d like to see him more, but the man needs to stay fit in order for that to happen. 4
Antoine Griezmann: Just put your foot through it, mate. A golden chance in the 82nd minute (albeit from a tight angle) saw the little prince try a dink over Álex Remiro, when an assured strike could have seen him score the winner at his old club. 3
Giacomo Raspadori: Brought on to play at left-midfield and was unsurprisingly unable to make an impact. He supposedly wants to stay at Atleti amid some serious interest from AS Roma, but this kind of decision making from Simeone won’t be helping things. 3
