Atlético de Madrid (2-1-1, 7 points) return to LaLiga action on Sunday against Real Sociedad in what will be their fourth consecutive match away from home.
The road trip began on a high note with an impressive 3-1 victory over Sevilla, but Atlético have struggled to maintain that momentum. The Rojiblancos are coming off a disappointing midweek Champions League defeat at Anfield after turning in a poor performance against Athletic Club in LaLiga last weekend.
Although there has been significant turnover in the squad since last season, Atlético’s core still bears the scars of its Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad. A win in San Sebastián would help restore some confidence, but it would not erase the lingering frustration of losing out on a trophy many within the squad believed was theirs for the taking.
Real Sociedad ended their 2025/26 season on a high note, something they had every reason to celebrate given how poorly the campaign began. Pellegrino Matarazzo took over in December with La Real hovering near the bottom of the table, and the American transformed the club’s fortunes, guiding his side to that Copa del Rey triumph as well as qualifying for the Europa League and the Supercopa de España.
Heading into the 2026/27 season, Matarazzo faces a different challenge altogether. Real Sociedad have been tasked with rising up the table and competing for a top-five finish in LaLiga while juggling those cup commitments. Helping to shoulder the burden of those additional competitions are incoming defenders Mamadou Sarr, who arrives on loan from Chelsea, and ex-Barcelona full-back Héctor Fort. Further reinforcements at the back were needed to support rising star Jon Martín, but attacking additions were comparatively limited following Brais Méndez’s departure to the Columbus Crew.
Other departures include Aritz Elustondo to PAOK, Carlos Fernández and Mikel Goti to Real Oviedo, Javi López to Feyenoord, Jon Karrikaburu to Burgos, and Mikel Rodríguez to Alavés. Duje Ćaleta-Car and Wesley Gassova also returned to their parent clubs after their loan spells expired.
Real Sociedad’s 2026/27 campaign got off to a rocky start with consecutive defeats to Real Betis and Real Madrid, but Matarazzo’s side has steadied the ship since then. Their most recent outing was a chaotic 4-3 win over Elche, where a late contribution from Luka Sučić helped overcome Jon Martín’s dismissal and secure all three points.
Matarazzo will be unable to call upon Álvaro Odriozola and Pablo Marín, both of whom remain sidelined through injury. Jon Martín is also unavailable after receiving a red card against Elche.
Team news
Atlético returned to training in Majadahonda on Friday, though “normal” might not be the right word. While the non-starters went through a more traditional session, several of the regular starters appeared to be taking part in a grounding exercise, with players spotted walking barefoot across the training ground.
Pablo Barrios was absent from the group, and it was revealed Saturday that he will miss this match due to a right leg injury. The injury is expected to keep him out of the next three games, including the derby against Real Madrid.
Alexander Sørloth remains sidelined with the calf injury he suffered just before the start of the campaign, while Arnau Ortiz will be available after missing the Liverpool match due to a suspension that dated back to August 2024, when he was playing in Poland.
As things stand, Obed Vargas appears set to remain with the first team, at least until the January transfer window. There had been speculation that the Mexic0 international could leave on loan before the close of the summer window in search of regular playing time, but a move never materialized.
Off the pitch, Atlético have been busy with media obligations ahead of this weekend’s Formula 1 Gran Premio de España at the MADRING circuit, mostly highlighted by Fernando Torres showing his muscles and breaking the record on the punching bag machine.
The Riyadh Air Metropolitano will play a central role during Formula 1’s Gran Premio de España weekend after Atlético became the official Local Event Supporter of the Spanish Grand Prix. Serving as a support venue for the event, the stadium will host fan experiences, hospitality areas, activations, and the race weekend’s main concert while also functioning as a transportation hub, with shuttle services connecting supporters to the MADRING.
As part of the partnership, Atlético will have an exclusive hospitality space in one of the circuit’s premium locations, offering members, sponsors, and corporate partners a unique Formula 1 experience. The agreement further cements the Riyadh Air Metropolitano’s status as one of Madrid’s premier event venues, capable of hosting major international sporting and entertainment spectacles.
Historical matchup
Atlético de Madrid have faced Real Sociedad 171 times in official competition, recording 83 wins, 40 draws, and 48 defeats. Real Sociedad have not beaten Atlético in LaLiga in their last 13 attempts, with La Real’s most recent league victory over Atleti coming during the 2019/20 season at the Reale Arena.
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, the last time these two clubs met, Real Sociedad defeated Atlético de Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. Moving on.
Possible XI: Oblak, Llorente, Romero, Hancko, Grimaldo; Hjulmand, Cardoso; Kang-In Lee, Baena, Lookman; Alvarez
Prediction: 2-1, Atleti end their cold streak thanks to goals from Alvarez and Kang-In. Mikel Oyarzabal scores for La Real.
Notable players who have represented both clubs
Antoine Griezmann, Alexander Sørloth, Diego Rivas, Robin Le Normand, Javi Galán and Miguel Ángel Moyá.
