“I asked the referee what was happening. He told me it was because of the pigeon and I said: ‘Seriously? You stopped the match because of the pigeon?'” These words from Jose Gimenez encapsulated a moment of levity in an otherwise intense match as Atlético Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 3-2 on March 7, 2026, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid.

The match opened with a bang as Alexander Sørloth scored the first goal for Atlético Madrid in the fifth minute, setting the tone for a high-paced encounter. Following Sørloth’s early strike, Nicolas Gonzalez showcased his scoring prowess by netting two goals, one of which was the decisive winner.

Mikel Oyarzabal managed to score for Real Sociedad in the 69th minute, but it was not enough to turn the tide. Gonzalez’s first goal was assisted by Antoine Griezmann, who delivered a stunning back-heeled pass, marking his 484th appearance for the club.

This victory not only highlighted Atlético Madrid’s attacking capabilities but also marked their third consecutive win in La Liga, strengthening their position in the league standings.

In a lighter moment during the match, Gimenez’s encounter with a pigeon on the pitch drew attention, as he humorously recounted the referee’s explanation for the brief stoppage. “I hope it wasn’t seriously hurt,” he added, reflecting on the unexpected interruption.

The match was particularly significant as it served as a preview for the upcoming Copa del Rey final scheduled for April 18, where both teams will aim to showcase their best performances.

As the season progresses, Atlético Madrid continues to build momentum, with Gonzalez’s two goals bringing his tally to an impressive ten for the season. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad will look to regroup and prepare for their next challenges.

With the Copa del Rey final on the horizon, fans are eagerly anticipating how these two teams will fare against each other once again.

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