Real Sociedad came from behind to beat 10-man Atletico Madrid 2-1 in La Liga on Sunday evening.
The visitors were ahead after 10 minutes through Mario Mandzukic, but Carlos Vela levelled the scores five minutes later.
Atletico were reduced to 10 men early in the second period when Guilherme Siqueira was sent from the field and the home side made the advantage count after 82 minutes when Imanol Agirretxe found the back of the net.
The result has moved Sociedad out of the drop zone, while Atletico remain fourth in the table.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Spanish rivals.
Match statistics
SOCIEDAD
Shots: 11
On target: 5
Possession: 55%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 17
ATLETICO
Shots: 4
On target: 2
Possession: 45%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 15
Was the result fair?
Even the most ardent of Atletico supporters would find it difficult to argue that the home side did not deserve all the points on Sunday evening. It started so well for the champions, with Mandzukic opening the scoring after 10 minutes, but Sociedad did not let their heads drop and were level just five minutes later.
Sociedad were also unfortunate not to gain a penalty in the first period after Diego Godin had brought down Vela. The second period was marred by controversy, with ugly scenes occurring after Siqueira had been sent from the field and Atletico were guilty of losing their discipline as they attempted to hold out for a point.
The home side got their just reward late on, however, when Agirretxe headed into the bottom corner. The statistics demonstrate that Sociedad were the better team and they certainly deserved to claim maximum points.
Sociedad's performance
Jagoba Arrasate will have watched this match in shock. It was a performance that Sociedad did not produce under their former manager, which shows that it was the right time to let the Spaniard leave. With no new manager in place, Sociedad B boss Asier Santana took charge of team matters and it could not have gone much better for the coach. The Basque side have lacked intensity and quality thus far this season, but both of those were on display in this particular match.
It would have been easy for their heads to drop after falling 1-0 behind, but they scored a deserved equaliser through Vela and continued to force the issue in the first period. As mentioned, they should have had at least one penalty, but the referee twice denied Vela in addition to waving away a suspected handball from Cristian Ansaldi. Eventually the home side found their second, however, with Joseba Zaldua setting up Agirretxe, who beat Miranda in the air. Former Manchester United boss David Moyes could be announced as the new manager tomorrow and he will have been seriously impressed on Sunday evening.
Atletico's performance
Atletico entered the match off the back of a difficult Champions League trip to Malmo this week and that showed in their performance. They took time to settle, but did take the lead through Mandzukic against the run of play. The champions never built on their goal, however, and instead allowed the home team to find their own way into the match. In total, the visitors had just four attempts at the Anoeta, which is clear indication of their problems. When Diego Simeone's side are struggling up top, they are usually strong at the back, but that was not the case this time around.
In truth, it could have been a different story had Siqueira not been sent from the field in the early stages of the second period, with that dismissal not helping a team that were already tired. They picked up eight bookings in total and Juanfran was perhaps lucky to escape a red card following a number of heavy challenges late on. It was a surprise that Mandzukic was not withdrawn in the second period, with the Croatian struggling as the lone forward and the changes that did occur came far too late. Overall, it was a disappointing night for the champions, who remain in fourth position in the table.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Carlos Vela: The Mexican has struggled to find his best form for Sociedad this season, but the attacker put on a strong show against the champions. He levelled the scores with a stunning effort after 15 minutes and remained a danger throughout the match, with his pace and direct running causing all sorts of problems. Vela was also unfortunate not to be awarded at least one penalty, with his strongest claim coming in the first period after a late challenge from Godin. It was much, much better from the 25-year-old.
Biggest gaffe
There were two incredible gaffes in the same incident at the Anoeta. Atletico centre-back Miranda attempted to find his goalkeeper with a back-pass in the first period, but Agirretxe nipped in and rounded the Atletico goalkeeper. It appeared that the striker would slip his effort into an empty net, but his shot lacked power and Godin was back to clear off the line. The mistake from Miranda was bad enough, but the finish from the Sociedad attacker was extremely poor. That said, it was Agirretxe that had the last laugh on the night.
Referee performance
Where to start? Referee Alfonso Alvarez had a very busy evening. Sociedad had three strong penalty appeals, but the official was not interested in any of the claims and even booked Vela for a perceived dive in the first period. The official was card-happy throughout the contest, but was correct to send Siqueira from the field after two rash challenges in the second half. In total, Alvarez issued 10 yellow cards - eight of which were awarded to Atletico, who were not happy with the official's performance.
What next?
Sociedad: The Basque outfit return to La Liga action with a clash against Deportivo La Coruna on November 22.
Atletico: Also on November 22, the champions will welcome Malaga to the Vicente Calderon.
Matt Law
