Suarez scores 2, snatching draw from jaws of defeat for Atletico Madrid

Madrid, Oct 24 (EFE).- Luis Suarez, scoring two goals in the last half hour of play at Wanda Metropolitano stadium before 50,032 spectators on Sunday, salvaged a draw for Atletico de Madrid against Real Sociedad, who had gone out ahead 0-2.

Even with the draw, however, Real Sociedad remains on top of the La Liga table with 21 points, one more than Real Madrid and Sevilla, each of whom has played one game less.

Alexander Sorloth got the visitors on the board just 7 minutes into play, an advantage that Alexander Isak improved upon in the 48th minute, but Suarez knocked in a header in minute 61 and then scored again 16 minutes later on a penalty kick after Mikel Merino fouled him, which the referee called after consulting the VAR.

It was a frustrating night for the Madrid squad, who were behind in the score for fully 70 minutes of the match, but even moreso for Real Sociedad, who thought they had a win on the books until Suarez burst their bubble.

Real Sociedad ambushed Atletico early on and then managed to keep the squad at bay for most of the contest, taking full advantage of defensive errors to put their rivals on the ropes. Madrid coach Diego Simeone appears to be well aware of Atletico’s defensive problems, but so far there seems to be little he can do about it and the team has started out at a disadvantage in seven of its 12 matches so far this season.

Lineups:

Atletico de Madrid: Oblak; Trippier, Felipe, Hermoso (Herrera, m. 72), Lodi (Correa, m. 57); De Paul (Kondogbia, m. 57), Koke, Lemar (Carrasco, m. 46); Griezmann (Cunha, m. 72), Luis Suarez, Joao Felix.

Real Sociedad: Remiro; Aritz, Le Normand, Zubeldia, Gorosabel; Zaldua (Turrientes, m. 62), Guevara, Mikel Merino, Silva (Pacheco, m. 62), Sorloth (Lobete, m. 84); Isak (Portu, m. 62).