The La Liga Boys Done Good!

Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid

When these two clubs reflect on their respective La Liga campaigns, sure there will be disappointments – particularly for Atletico Madrid who were unable to make a serious title defence and were all but out of the running by Christmas.

There will, however, also be La Liga highlights to look back on.

For almost a decade we have almost come to expect too much of Los Rojiblancos as they so often overachieve under the canny stewardship of Diego Simeone. Yet the Argentine has once more guided the second club in the capital back into the lucrative land of the Champions League.

Likewise, Real Sociedad cannot finish lower than sixth this term and will be back in the Europa League next season.

As they prepare to meet on the final weekend of the season, surely both teams would have taken this as some form of success at the beginning of 2021/22?

Talking Points

Atletico sit in third place going into the final weekend, even if their season was effectively over a month ago in terms of silverware when they were knocked out of the Champions League by Manchester City, despite their best efforts to disrupt the rhythm of the English champions.

Meanwhile, Sociedad have kept chipping away in their quest for European qualification.

Indeed, under Imanol Alguacil they have improved in recent years with seventh and fifth place finishes over the last two seasons – their highest since fourth position in 2013 secured qualification for the Champions League.

A Europa League berth was secured last weekend when they beat Villarreal on their own turf.

Trailing at the break, Alexander Isak tapped in at the back post to equalise before Martin Zubimendi was on hand to net the winner after Alexander Sorloth’s effort was smothered.

In truth, goals have been the problem all year for Sociedad and five in the space of two matches turned out to be decisive. They qualify for the Europa League again, which is the prize for their perseverance after things threatened to be derailed.

Indeed, according to one Spanish writer, with better finishing and a healthy Mikel Oyarzabal they would easily have easily made it to the Champions League, and they’ve been on the end of some shocking refereeing too.

With both sides now qualified for Europe next term, this could turn out to be a low-key affair in what could well be a farewell for Atletico frontman Luis Suarez after two years with the club.

Although perhaps he has already played his final match for the club, given  Simeone substituted Suarez off to widespread applause during last weekend’s draw with Sevilla before home fans showed him gratitude at full time

A total of 21 league goals powered Atletico to the league title last year but his reduced role this season has persuaded the board not to offer him an extension.

Changes certainly lie ahead for both clubs this summer but, for now, both can enjoy Sunday and look back on a decent return.

History

Sociedad have had the edge this season.

They drew 2-2 at Atletico earlier this season when goals early in each half from Sorloth and Isak put the visitors in the ascendancy before a Suarez double rescued a point.

Then, in January, Sorloth was on target again, along with Adnan Januzaj, as Sociedad sent Atletico packing from the Copa del Rey at the last 16 stage.

Atletico did win the corresponding fixture last season when second half goals from Mario Hermoso and Marcos Llorente sealed a 2-0 victory.

Until this season, Atletico had won 11 out of their last 16 meetings.

Betting Tip

Could the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds be any closer?

Well, not really.

For Sociedad are priced 1X2 @ 2.65 and Atletico 1X2 @ 2.64.

The draw @ 3.20 also represents good value.

As for Asian Handicap odds, among the bets on offer are Sociedad 0.00 @ 1.97, -0.25 @ 2.38, Atletico 0.00 @ 1.97 and -0.25 @ 2.33.

For a repeat of their 2-2 league draw earlier in the campaign, Correct Score will pay out @ 13.00, whereas a repeat of last season’s 2-0 Atletico victory is on offer @ 13.50.

Should Sociedad repeat their 2-0 cup win, then you also stand to earn a pay day of @ 13.50.

As suspected, this could well be a low-key affair, but I don’t think that means it will be a low scoring encounter.

So while I am tempted by Total Goal 0-1 @ 2.99, not to mention 4-6 @ 4.00 and Over 2.50 goals @ 2.13, I am going to plump for a 1X2 Draw @ 3.15 as my *** tip.

 

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