Giuliano Simeone answers Atletico Madrid critics with decisive display at Real Sociedad

Giuliano Simeone responded to recent criticism in the strongest possible fashion by scoring in Atletico Madrid’s 3-0 win at Real Sociedad on Sunday.

The victory, played out at the Reale Arena, restored Atletico’s winning form in the fifth round of La Liga. Alejandro Grimaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 84th minute before Jonathan David struck in the 90th minute and Giuliano Simeone completed the victory in the 90+5th minute.

The performance carried added significance for Giuliano, whose name had recently been used as a criticism of his father and Atletico manager Diego Simeone.

According to Marca, the criticism ultimately highlighted the younger Simeone’s character rather than weakening his position. After his stoppage-time goal, Giuliano celebrated with a broad smile, appearing to release the pressure that had built around him.

Before the match, Diego Simeone had been asked about his son during his pre-match news conference.

“I have nothing to add. Giuliano’s performances and actions speak for themselves,” he said before the team travelled to San Sebastian.

After the match, the manager again drew attention to the sequence that led to the goal.

“Giuliano’s goal, which came in the 92nd minute after a wonderful run through three defenders, is something many people do not truly appreciate,” Diego Simeone said.

The goal came after more than 90 minutes of hard work. Giuliano received the ball more than 50 metres from goal, carried it forward in an impressive individual run and then beat Alex Remiro to score.

His work rate remains the clearest feature of his game. It is often difficult to identify the precise position occupied by Atletico’s number 20, who can be closing down a five-man defensive line one moment and leading the team’s attack the next.

Against Real Sociedad, Giuliano also made a major defensive contribution by blocking one of the home side’s key attacking routes. Sergio Gomez and Goncalo Guedes, operating on the left, directly experienced the support he offered to his full-back.

His constant work helped Atletico neutralise one of Real Sociedad’s most dangerous attacking areas. Giuliano recorded eight ball recoveries, underlining the effectiveness of his defensive role.

He was equally prominent going forward, stretching the pitch and acting as Atletico’s most advanced player for long periods. Jan Oblak’s long passes were frequently aimed towards him, while he was also given difficult defensive responsibilities.

Giuliano’s attacking contribution extended beyond simply playing as a forward. From his flank, he repeatedly moved into vacant spaces that Kang-in was unable to reach.

Much of that work does not appear in conventional statistics, but his goal took Giuliano’s tally to two for the season, making him Atletico’s second-highest scorer behind Alex Baena. He also has one assist, giving him his best start with the club.

Those figures have come in 452 minutes. He is Atletico’s second most-used player this season behind David Hancko, who has played every minute. Giuliano has contributed to a goal every 150 minutes, although his overall influence at the Reale Arena was greater than the numbers alone suggest.