Real Sociedad 1-1 Atletico Madrid: Sadiq nets on debut to cancel out Morata strike

Real Sociedad came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw from an entertaining clash with Atletico Madrid in LaLiga, as Alexander Isak’s replacement Umar Sadiq scored on his debut.

La Real fell behind early on when Alvaro Morata pounced to continue his fine start to the new season, but the hosts gave as good as they got in a first half that saw both teams hit the woodwork.

Having been introduced as a half-time substitute, Sadiq met Momo Cho’s hanging cross to nod home a leveller, making an instant impact for his new club.

Diego Simeone’s men stood firm despite the hosts enjoying the better of a lively second half, ensuring the two teams remain locked together on seven points from four games in LaLiga.

Atleti needed just five minutes to hit the front, with Morata on hand to lash home the rebound after Yannick Carrasco hit the near post directly from a corner.

But Jan Oblak was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the early stages, producing a strong save to deny Mikel Merino from long range 20 minutes in, shortly after the Sociedad captain had volleyed against the left-hand post. 

Morata was denied a brace 10 minutes later when Joao Felix handled in the build-up to his sweeping left-footed finish, before Jose Gimenez rattled the crossbar with an incredible long-range strike as the break approached.

The hosts continued to push after Sadiq replaced Alexander Sorloth, and the 6ft 4in striker made use of his frame when climbing to power a left-wing cross beyond Oblak at the back post after 55 minutes. 

55’ | 1-1 | REEEAAALLL SCORE!!

GOOOOAL by SADIQ!!!

DEBUT and GOAL!#RealSociedadAtleti | #AurreraReala pic.twitter.com/C8Jdj5FD1T

— Real Sociedad (@RealSociedadEN) September 3, 2022

The offside flag came to Atleti’s rescue with 13 minutes remaining when Sadiq latched onto Takefusa Kubo’s pass to lob Oblak, but the visitors ultimately stood firm to claim a share of the spoils.

What does it mean? Atleti struggle in San Sebastian 

Atletico Madrid came into this match having won each of their two away games at the start of the season, but can hardly have any complaints with the draw after allowing La Real to take charge.

By fighting back to level the scores, La Real avoided suffering three successive home league defeats for the first time since February 2007, and ended Los Colchoneros’ run of four consecutive wins on the road.

Morata’s revival continues

Morata has been in fine form since returning from an underwhelming two-year loan spell at Juventus, and needed just five minutes to score his third league goal of the campaign.

Meanwhile, the Spain international has now contributed to at least one goal on each of his last four appearances against La Real in LaLiga (four goals, one assist).

Sadiq strikes early

Having impressed for Almeria in the early weeks of the campaign, Sadiq was the man selected by Imanol Alguacil to fill the shoes of Newcastle United’s new record signing Isak, and the Nigeria striker did not need long to make an impression.

Having netted within 10 minutes of making his Sociedad bow, Sadiq has now scored on each of his last three appearances in LaLiga. 

What’s next?

Atletico Madrid begin their Champions League campaign at home to Porto on Wednesday, while Sociedad face a trip to Manchester United in the Europa League one day later.