Nicolás González came off the bench to score twice as Atlético Madrid beat a battling Real Sociedad 3-2 at the Metropolitano.

Diego Simeone's side controlled the game for long periods but could not pull away, twice taking the lead through Alexander Sorloth and González, only for Carlos Soler and Mikel Oyarzabal to provide quick-fire replies.

González then landed a blow the visitors could not come back from with a clinical header in the 81st minute, taking his side three points clear in third place.

Atlético showed signs of life in the opening moments, Giuliano Simeone combining with Sorloth and the latter working visiting goalkeeper Álex Remiro with a low strike.

His save only delayed the pain by a few moments, Sorloth stealing in front of his marker from the resulting corner by José María Giménez and firing a clinical first-time effort in at the near post.

Getty

---

The fifth-minute opener was cancelled out swiftly, Soler exchanging passes with Luka Sucic, taking a smooth touch with his right boot and lashing home with his left.

The home side continued to enjoy a controlling hand but lacked finesse in the final third, Giménez, Sorloth and Ademola Lookman all taking aim without hitting the target.

An injury delay helped Sociedad regroup and they had a couple of chances before the half-time whistle, Sergio Gómez going close and Jan Oblak saving from Sucic.

Diego Simeone made his first change at the interval and had emptied his bench by the hour mark, González among the influx of fresh legs.

The game became more cagey before exploding into life as both sides exchanged goals in less than a minute.

González combined wonderfully with Antoine Griezmann, who showed real imagination with an instinctive back pass to tee up his teammate for a calm, slotted finish.

The lead only lasted a matter of seconds, though, Oyarzabal going through the middle and blasting through a packed box after his initial shot was blocked.

With the game up for grabs in the final 10 minutes, Remiro made a sharp low save from Johnny Cardoso, only for González to win it with a powerful header when Matteo Ruggeri sent the ball back in.