Atlético Madrid Edges Out Real Sociedad
“I picked it up. I don’t know if there’s supposed to be a protocol. I hope it wasn’t seriously hurt,” said José Giménez after a peculiar moment during the match where he removed a pigeon from the pitch.
Atlético Madrid won 3-2 against Real Sociedad on March 7, 2026, in a thrilling encounter at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium. The match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also served as a preview for the upcoming Copa del Rey final scheduled for April 18, 2026.
Alexander Sørloth opened the scoring for Atlético Madrid in the fifth minute, setting the tone for a high-energy match. Nicolas Gonzalez then made his mark by scoring two goals, sandwiching a strike from Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal, who found the net in the 69th minute.
Gonzalez’s second goal proved to be the decisive one, securing the victory for Atlético Madrid. Notably, Antoine Griezmann assisted Gonzalez’s first goal with a clever back-heeled pass, showcasing his playmaking abilities despite having no assists in the league season prior to this match.
This victory marked Atlético Madrid’s third consecutive league win, solidifying their position in third place in La Liga. The team’s recent form has been impressive, and they are looking to carry this momentum into the Copa del Rey final.
In a less conventional moment, Giménez’s interaction with the pigeon drew attention, with some fans questioning the need to stop the match for the bird. “Seriously? You stopped the match because of the pigeon?” he remarked, highlighting the unusual circumstances of the game.
Rodrigo Mendoza suffered an ankle injury during the match, raising concerns about his fitness for upcoming fixtures. As the team prepares for the Copa del Rey final, the health of all players will be crucial.
As Atlético Madrid continues to build on their recent successes, they will be looking to maintain their form and secure more victories in the coming weeks. The anticipation for the Copa del Rey final is already building among fans and players alike.