Substitute Nicolás González scored twice to inspire Atlético Madrid to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Sociedad at the Metropolitano Stadium.
The hosts largely dictated proceedings but struggled to shake off their stubborn visitors, with both sides trading goals in an entertaining contest.
Alexander Sorloth initially put Atlético ahead before quick responses from Carlos Soler and later Mikel Oyarzabal kept Sociedad in the game.
González eventually settled the encounter with a decisive header nine minutes from time, sealing a win that lifted Diego Simeone’s side three points clear in third place.
Atlético started brightly, with Giuliano Simeone linking up with Sorloth early on. The Norwegian forward tested goalkeeper Álex Remiro with a low strike before finally breaking the deadlock moments later.
Rising first to meet a corner delivered by José María Giménez, Sorloth darted ahead of his marker and guided a first-time effort inside the near post in the fifth minute.
However, Sociedad responded almost immediately. Soler combined neatly with Luka Sučić, took a tidy touch and rifled a left-footed effort past Jan Oblak to restore parity.
Despite maintaining control for much of the first half, Atlético lacked precision in front of goal, with Giménez, Sorloth and Ademola Lookman all missing the target. Sociedad grew into the game later in the half, with Sergio Gómez going close before Oblak denied Sučić.
Simeone turned to his bench after the break, introducing several fresh legs, including González. The match then burst into life late on as both teams scored within seconds of each other.
González first restored Atlético’s lead after a clever exchange with Antoine Griezmann, who produced a smart back-heel to set him up for a composed finish.
Yet the advantage lasted only moments as Oyarzabal surged through the middle and blasted home after his initial effort was blocked.
With the game hanging in the balance, Remiro produced a fine save to deny Johnny Cardoso.
But the decisive moment arrived in the 81st minute when González powered in a header after Matteo Ruggeri recycled the ball into the area, sealing an important win for the home side.
