Football news - Alvaro Morata brace sees Atletico Madrid keep pace with Barcelona
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Updated 03/03/2019 at 21:02 GMT
La Liga, Anoeta - Real Sociedad 0 Atletico Madrid 2 (Morata 31', 33')
Real Sociedad v Atletico Madrid - LIVE
Image credit: Eurosport
Atletico Madrid kept pace with Barcelona at the top of La Liga, narrowing the gap on the table-toppers to seven points after a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad.
Alvaro Morata’s first-half headed double was the difference between the two teams, but Diego Simeone’s side had to show their unity and spirit in the second half following the sending off of Koke for two bookable offences.
Real Sociedad never really looked like scoring, conceding twice in the space of just three minutes after the half-hour mark. On both occasions, Morata got ahead of his marker to convert a delivery into the opposition penalty area.
After Real Madrid’s Clásico defeat to Barcelona on Saturday, the Spanish title race now looks to be a two-horse race and this result keeps Atletico Madrid in the picture, even if the Catalans remain the firm favourites.
TALKING POINT - Are Atletico Madrid the only team who can now catch Barcelona?
Seven points is currently the difference between first and second place in La Liga. Ordinarily, that would lead some to draw the conclusion that the title race is over for another season. However, such has been the unpredictability of the Spanish season Atletico Madrid will still fancy their chances of drawing in Barcelona. If the Catalans are to be denied another title, surely Atleti are the only ones who can stop them?
MAN OF THE MATCH - Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid)
What a difference a few weeks can make. When Morata arrived at Atletico Madrid in January, he was utterly devoid of confidence. That was evident in his first few performances for his new club, also suffering more than fair share of bad luck. However, this was a demonstration of Morata back to his best. On this form, his signing could prove to be a landmark moment in the context of Atleti’s season.
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Alvaro Morata of Atletico Madrid scoring goal during the La Liga match between Real Sociedad and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Anoeta on March 03, 2019 in San Sebastian, Spain.
Image credit: Getty Images
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Sociedad - Rulli 6, Zaldua 6, Llorente 5, Navas 5, Theo 5, Zubeldia 6, Zurutuza 5, Oyarzabal 5, Merino 7, Sandro 7, Jose 4. Subs - Pardo 6, Juanmi 5, Bautista 5.
Atletico Madrid - Oblak 6, Juanfran 7, Gimenez 7, Godin 7, Filipe 5, Koke 8, Rodrigo 6, Saul 6, Lemar 6, Morata 8, Griezmann 6. Subs - Arias 5, Thomas 5, Correa 5.
KEY MOMENTS
19’ A mix up at the back! Wow! Almost a calamity for Real Sociedad! Llorente and Rulli get into a mess after a long ball over the top, but Morata didn't realise that the ball was loose and a scrambled clearance is made.
20’ Morata at the near post! That was a good save from Rulli. Koke burst into the box down the right side and fizzed a pass into the middle, but Morata's flicked finish was saved by Rulli.
26’ Jose comes off! Real Sociedad will be forced into an early change here. Jose looks to have pulled something and the forward has walked straight down the tunnel. That's a blow to the hosts.
31’ GOAL! Real Sociedad 0-1 Atletico Madrid: There's the opener and it has gone to Atletico Madrid! Godin gets the flick at the near post from a corner kick into the box and Morata was on hand to convert into the Real Sociedad net! He has given Atleti the lead!!
33’ GOAL! Real Sociedad 0-2 Atletico Madrid: It's a second for Atletico Madrid and it's a second for Morata! The freekick was whipped into the box by Koke and Morata got up highest to convert into the Real Sociedad net. The striker is flying at the moment!
63’ SENT OFF! Atletico Madrid have been reduced to 10 men. Koke was already on a booking and he has been shown a second yellow card for a lunging tackle on Zaldua. Foolish.
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Head coach Diego Simeone of Atletico Madrid reacts during the La Liga match between Real Sociedad and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Anoeta on March 03, 2019 in San Sebastian, Spain
Image credit: Getty Images
KEY STATS
- Alvaro Morata, with three goals, is now Atletico Madrid’s second top scorer in La Liga this season. He only joined the club on loan in January.
- Only Leonardo Pavoletti (17) and Cristhian Stuani (16) have more headed goals than Alvaro Morata (15) in Europe’s big five leagues over the past three seasons.
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