Real Sociedad vs Atl. Madrid prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2026-01-03 20:00.
[p]The first round of La Liga matches in 2026 concludes with Real Sociedad hosting Atlético Madrid, two clubs competing at opposite ends of the table.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Real Sociedad rounded off 2025 in horrible fashion, suffering three successive losses in La Liga before conceding a 94th-minute penalty against bottom-of-the-table Levante to draw 1-1 last time out. That form sees La Real enter 2026 just two points and two places above the relegation zone, and suffering back-to-back defeats at the Reale Arena recently won’t inspire much confidence among the home fans that things will improve. They have made a habit of bringing in a new year on a positive note though, going unbeaten in their first La Liga match of a new year since 2020 (W2, D3).[/p]
[p]Atlético Madrid ended 2025 with four consecutive wins in all competitions, two of which came in La Liga, but they’re still playing catch up to second-placed Real Madrid and league-leaders Barcelona, whom they trail by five and nine points respectively heading into the new year. Diego Simeone’s men know it’s their travelling form which is holding them back with just three wins from their nine league trips this term (D3, L3). Atleti should be confident of tipping the scales in favour of the win column here though as they’re unbeaten against sides starting this round in the bottom half (W7, D2).[/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]Atlético have dominated recent H2Hs, going unbeaten in their last 11 La Liga meetings with Sociedad (W7, D4).[/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Just one of Sociedad’s last six matches was decided by more than a one-goal margin.[/p]
[p]Seven of Sociedad’s last nine home matches saw both teams score.[/p]
[p]Five of Atlético’s last six matches produced over 2.5 goals.[/p]
[p]Atlético are one of just two sides in Europe’s top-five leagues yet to trail a league game at half-time.[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Luka Sučić scored for Sociedad in last season’s corresponding fixture, contributing to eight of his last nine club goals coming at home. Atlético’s Alexander Sørloth had the game of his life in the last H2H against former club Sociedad, scoring four first-half goals, a habit he’s continued this season with four of his five goals this term coming before half-time.[/p]
[p]Pablo MarĂn limped out of Sociedad’s last league game which saw Jon Gorrotxategi and Igor Zubeldia pick up suspensions. AtlĂ©tico’s Nicolás González was forced off early through injury last time out and will be a doubt.[/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]With Sociedad in dreadful form against a side they’ve historically struggled against, the prospect of Atlético winning here is an enticing betting option.[/p]
[p][i]Author: Peter Stavrinou[/i][/p]