Real Sociedad Stun Barcelona in Thrilling 1-0 Win in La Liga
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad La Liga Updates: At Real Sociedad on Sunday, La Liga leaders Barcelona suffered a contentious 1-0 loss after a goal by Robert Lewandowski was controversially disallowed for offside.
With a goal from Sheraldo Becker in the 33rd minute, Barcelona suffered their second league defeat of the year. Barcelona is now six points ahead of Real Madrid in second place after an extra match, despite their domination at the top of the league.
Lewandowski’s goal in the 13th minute was disallowed by a VAR review, ending Barcelona’s chances of taking the lead early in the match. Many people thought the Polish striker was not offside when he scored, therefore the verdict infuriated them.
The tip of Lewandowski’s boot was displayed as offside by La Liga’s semi-automated offside technology, although Spanish media questioned whether the system misread the situation by mixing the forward’s boot with Nayef Aguerd’s heel.
Real Sociedad dominated the game after Barcelona’s goal was disallowed to set the tone. Inaki Pena of Barcelona was put to the test by Takefusa Kubo, who rocked the keeper’s fingers with a low drive. Luka Sucic deflected the ball into Sheraldo Becker’s path, but Becker finished calmly to give the Basque team the lead.
Even with the early loss, Barcelona found it difficult to penetrate Real Sociedad’s strong defense. For the first time this season, Barcelona did not score in any competition, unable to muster a single shot on goal throughout the game.
Key players were absent for Barcelona, notably teenage wonder Lamine Yamal, who sustained an ankle injury during their Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade in the middle of the week. Barcelona lacked the inventiveness and speed they typically rely on in attack without Yamal’s spark. In response to the team’s difficulties, midfielder Pedri said, “It’s a tough place to go… we have to learn from our mistakes.”
Despite tactical adjustments, Barcelona’s attacking play was ineffectual even when Dani Olmo, who had been rested, entered the game in the second half. Defender Pau Cubarsi, who sustained a facial injury in Serbia, also played with a mask.
Barcelona tried to rally, but Real Sociedad remained strong. Jules Koundé’s challenge caused Becker to lose another chance, while Ander Barrenetxea’s quick rush into the penalty box resulted in a failed shot. Because of Real Sociedad’s unwavering defense, Barcelona was unable to put their goalie to the test.
To the satisfaction of their supporters, Real Sociedad ultimately achieved a remarkable victory. According to midfield star Brais Méndez, “they are the most in-form team in Europe, and our fans deserved a night like this.”
Barcelona will be hoping to recover swiftly following this shocking loss. The Catalan powerhouses are still leading La Liga despite the defeat, but with Real Madrid tightening the gap, every point will be vital to their hopes of winning the league.
