Atletico Madrid seek balance against Real Sociedad at Anoeta

Atletico Madrid visit Real Sociedad at Anoeta on Sunday at 21:00 in La Liga action. The Rojiblancos face their fourth straight away match needing to get back to winning ways after falling in Bilbao and Liverpool, two losses that have once again exposed their struggles on the road.

• Atletico have lost back-to-back away games, at San Mames and Anfield.
• Diego Simeone is calling for balance between promising attacking play and defensive issues.
• Cuti Romero is expected to start again in a three-man back line.
• Pablo Barrios is out with a muscle injury, while Julian Alvarez is a doubt due to discomfort.
• Real Sociedad have seven points and want to extend their strong start to the season.

Atletico Madrid's long-running away game problem

Atletico arrive in San Sebastian carrying the weight of an away form issue that has followed them for years. At San Mames, two goals conceded right after the break decided the match. At Anfield, a strong opening half hour was not enough: as legs tired, Liverpool imposed their physical game, completed the comeback and left Simeone's side without an answer.

The plan is built around playing out from their own box. That approach produced Marcos Llorente's stunning goal at Anfield, but it also created mistakes that gave the opposition life. Simeone accepts that risk and is working to fix the defensive breakdowns without giving up the attacking flow the team has shown in stretches.

The attacking and defensive balance Simeone demands

The Argentine coach keeps pushing his side to find the right mix between their recent attacking strengths and the defensive fragility that still appears. Cuti Romero's arrival has strengthened the back line. The center-back made his first start at Anfield and is expected to feature again at Anoeta in a three-man defense alongside Pubill and Hancko.

With that system, Giuliano and Grimaldo look set to play as wing-backs. In midfield, Barrios is out with a minor muscle injury, forcing a reshuffle. Hjulmand's return to the lineup allows Marcos Llorente to push further forward, while Baena and Kang-in Lee compete for the other midfield spot.

Atletico's attacking doubts: Julian Alvarez a question mark

Up front, Lookman is set to return to the starting eleven after coming off the bench at Anfield, likely alongside Julian Alvarez. The Argentine, however, left Saturday's session early due to discomfort and will undergo medical tests before a decision is made on his availability. If he is not fit, Jonathan David could get his first major chance from the start.

Real Sociedad aim to build on strong La Liga start

Real Sociedad host Atletico looking to continue a promising opening stretch in which they have collected seven points. In their last league match against Elche, Matarazzo's side were virtually 3-0 up, but the VAR disallowed the third goal for a prior foul and sent off Jon Martin.

Despite Elche's late equalizer, Sucic struck in the final moments to secure the away win. For the match against Atletico, Matarazzo will be without the suspended Jon Martin and the injured Alvaro Odriozola. Academy player Luken Beitia has been called up to cover the absence in central defense.

The goalkeeping question for Real Sociedad

One of the main unknowns in the home lineup is between the posts. Unai Marrero was chosen at the Martinez Valero and performed well enough to keep the competition with Remiro open. Matarazzo declined to confirm who will start against Atletico, praising both goalkeepers and emphasizing how important it is to have two reliable options.

Kickoff time and what is at stake for both teams

The match between Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid kicks off on Sunday at 21:00 at the Reale Arena. The two sides have different goals: the hosts want to settle into the upper part of the table, while Atletico need an immediate reaction to avoid losing touch and to rebuild confidence away from home.