Goals either side of half time gave Atletico Madrid a 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad and maintained their 100% record in La Liga this season.
© AFP
It was the hosts who came closest to breaking the deadlock in the early stages, with Antoine Griezmann smashing a half-volley against the crossbar in the fourth minute.
Atletico missed a golden opportunity to take the lead with 15 minutes on the clock, veteran striker David Villa turning his shot wide after good work from Arda Turan.
Villa made up for the miss 12 minutes later, rushing clear of the Sociedad defence and beating goalkeeper Claudio Bravo with a deft chip.
It took Atletico until midway into the second period to extend their lead. Villa turned provider this time, lining up the ball for Koke to bury following a swift counter-attack.
Sociedad ensured that the closing stages were tense when Xabi Prieto netted with 20 minutes left to play, and they came agonisingly close to an equaliser in stoppage time.
Thibaut Courtois pulled off two excellent saves to deny Esteban Granero and Ruben Pardo deep into injury time to preserve his side's advantage and ensure the win.
Mark Langshaw
