In a preview of the Copa del Rey final on April 18, Atlético de Madrid won a frantic game over Real Sociedad, as Nico Gonzalez’s second-half brace powered the Colchoneros to a 3-2 win at the Metropolitano.
Alexander Sørloth’s early goal was quickly cancelled out, and Nico’s left-footed finish to restore the advantage didn’t last long either after La Real captain Mikel Oyarzabal lashed in another equalizer. Nico’s second goal held up though as Atlético won their third league game on the bounce to stay
third in La Liga.
Here are the ratings from Saturday’s thrilling contest.
Oblak
Hung out to dry by a rapidly-retreating defense on Carlos Soler’s ninth-minute goal; Soler took up Luka Sučić‘s pass and launched a great finish into the top of the net. After a long period of inactivity, Oblak couldn’t keep out Mikel Oyarzabal’s 69th-minute rocket despite getting his right hand to it. He shipped two goals from 0.41 expected. 4
Molina
Offered nothing in possession but had a solid outing defensively. Molina won all six of his duels and three of his five tackles. 5.5
Giménez
A strong first half capped with a rare assist for Sørloth from Giuliano Simeone’s throw-in. At his best without the ball, though — Giménez made eight clearances and won six aerial duels. Atlético have won eight of the 11 games he has started in La Liga. 7.5
Hancko
Picked up his first booking all season for a foul on Sučić (who again gave Atleti a terrible time). Not good on Real Sociedad’s second equalizer, as he couldn’t win the ball off a determined Oyarzabal. 4.5
Ruggeri
He takes corners now, which makes some sense given how decisive his crossing has been in recent weeks. So comfortable when Atleti are able to camp out in the opponent’s half, Ruggeri grabbed another assist with a pinpoint cross into Nico Gonzalez on 81 minutes. 7
Koke
Given time and space to do so, Koke was able to orchestrate effectively from the base of a three-man midfield alongside Rodrigo Mendoza and Thiago Almada. But he lost the ball 10 times in an hour and didn’t receive great support from his midfield partners. 5.5
Mendoza
Seemed to have a nailed-on shot assist for Lookman midway through the first half but put the pass out of the Nigerian’s reach. Suffered a painful right ankle injury after Ander Barrenetxea went through it to win a ground duel; he was removed at halftime as a precaution, but Marca reported that the injury might be a serious one. Has to improve positionally but you can see what Diego Simeone likes in him: Mendoza is a confident passer and ball-carrier who has significant room to grow. 5
Almada
Really tried to make things happen, such as a crafty shot assist for Koke late in the first half. But more often, Almada was indecisive, pushed off the ball or trying a challenging pass that slowed down attacking moves. Undoubtedly talented but frustrating player whose best role remains a mystery. 3.5
Giuliano
His fifth-minute throw-in found Josema Giménez in the box, and the Uruguayan flicked the ball back to Sørloth for 1-0. Runs for days, never gives up on a 50-50 ball, but he would be much more decisive with a cleaner first touch. 4.5
Lookman
Frustrating first half for Lookman. With Real Sociedad reducing space in behind, he frequently got the ball at his feet so he could take on his marker or play one-twos. But his end product was lacking he hasn’t had quite the same impact in the league as he has had in the cup competitions. 4
Sørloth
Ten months after scoring the fastest hat-trick in LaLiga history against Real Sociedad, Sørloth needed just 4 minutes and 30 seconds to grab another goal against them on Saturday. From Giménez’s flick, Sørloth held off Jon Martín and put his 10th goal of the season into the roof of Álex Remiro’s net. An absolute terror for La Real’s defense, he had a few other chances to add to his tally but settled for the one goal. 8
Llorente
Replaced Mendoza at halftime. Created a super chance for Sørloth in the 63rd minute but the Norwegian sent it over the goal. Quieter evening for him on the right of a midfield three. 4.5
Griezmann
Replaced Ademola Lookman on 52 minutes for his 484th Atleti appearance, breaking a tie with Tomás Reñones for fourth in club history. Assisted Nico’s first goal for 2-1 with a classy back-heeled pass (his first assist of the league season). Griezmann is in terrific form at the moment, and he is set to stay at the club until the end of the season. 7.5
Alvarez
Replaced Giuliano on 52 minutes. Tried to make things happen outside of the area with his carrying and dribbling. Just isn’t comfortable when Sørloth is in front of him. 4
Nico
Replaced Almada in the 53rd minute. Put a sure goal from eight yards into orbit after Julián Alvarez set him up during a particularly dominant period of play. Made up for it a couple minutes later by starting and finishing the move for the go-ahead goal, his first in nearly six months. After Oyarzabal leveled the scores again, Nico rose highest to thump a header past Remiro for the eventual winning goal. Tremendous performance from the Argentine, who defended as a right-back in a line of five but found plenty of action around the Real Sociedad penalty area. 8
Johnny
Replaced Koke on the hour. Picked up a hockey assist on Nico’s second goal. A stronger defensive presence than Koke; might be an option to start next to the captain against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday. 5
