Barcelona reclaimed their position at the summit of LaLiga with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Real Sociedad. Xavi Hernández’s side showed grit and resilience at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, overturning an early deficit to secure their sixth win in seven league matches this season.
The Catalans entered the match knowing that a victory would send them above Real Madrid following Los Blancos’ shock 5-2 derby defeat to Atlético Madrid on Saturday. That result had opened the door for Barça, and despite falling behind to a first-half goal from Alvaro Odriozola, they responded with character, goals from Jules Koundé and Robert Lewandowski sealing the turnaround and propelling them a point clear at the top.
Early Chances and Missed Opportunities
Barcelona started brightly and carved out the game’s first big opportunity through Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United. The England international nearly put the hosts ahead with a curling strike from the edge of the box, but Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro reacted sharply, tipping the ball over the bar with an outstretched hand.
Remiro remained busy during the opening spell, also dealing comfortably with long-range efforts from Ronald Araújo and teenager Roony Bardghji. Both players tested the Basque keeper’s handling, but he never looked troubled.
Lewandowski, who had already scored three league goals this season, was also presented with a golden chance when Rashford threaded a clever pass through Sociedad’s defensive line. The Polish striker attempted an audacious chip over the onrushing Remiro from a tight angle, but his effort drifted agonizingly wide of the far post, leaving the scoreline level.
Sociedad Take a Shock Lead
Despite Barcelona’s early dominance, it was the visitors who struck first. Just after the half-hour mark, winger Ander Barrenetxea exploited space down the left flank and delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Full-back Alvaro Odriozola arrived unmarked and slid the ball past Marc-André ter Stegen to silence the home supporters and put Sociedad 1-0 ahead.
The goal seemed to jolt Barcelona’s rhythm. They pressed hard for an equalizer, but Remiro produced another vital stop to deny what would have been an own goal from his teammate Igor Zubeldia. Moments later, the Sociedad keeper tipped Bardghji’s low drive wide of the post, keeping his side’s slender lead intact.
Koundé Restores Parity
Barcelona’s persistence finally paid off on the stroke of half-time. After winning a corner on the right, Rashford swung in a dangerous delivery that found Jules Koundé rising highest at the near post. The French full-back powered his header beyond Remiro, bringing Barça level at 1-1 and shifting the momentum heading into the interval.
The goal was a reward for Barcelona’s relentless pressure, and Koundé’s celebration reflected the relief around the stadium. Xavi’s men walked off at half-time with renewed belief, sensing the game was theirs to win.
Lamine Yamal’s Impact Sparks Turnaround
Before kickoff, 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal paraded his newly-won award as Europe’s best young player to the crowd. The teenager has been one of the standout stories of the season, and Xavi wasted little time calling on him after the break.
Introduced just before the hour mark, Yamal made an instant impact. Bursting into the box down the right flank, he left his marker behind and delivered a pinpoint cross for Lewandowski, who powered a header past Remiro to give Barcelona a 2-1 lead. The Polish striker’s finish was clinical, demonstrating the experience and composure that have defined his career.
The goal capped a rapid turnaround and underlined Yamal’s growing influence on the team. His energy, direct running, and precision added a new dimension to Barcelona’s attack, stretching Sociedad’s defense and creating spaces for his teammates.
Barcelona Push for a Third
With the lead secured, Barcelona went in search of a decisive third goal. Lewandowski almost doubled his tally minutes later, meeting another cross with a fierce volley that flew straight at Remiro. The goalkeeper, who had already kept his side in the game with several key interventions, produced another solid save to deny Dani Olmo’s long-range strike as well as an awkward, bouncing drive from Rashford.
Rashford himself continued to look lively but was unable to find the net despite his tireless movement and link-up play. His best chance came midway through the second half when he cut inside onto his right foot and curled a shot just wide of the far post. The Manchester United loanee eventually made way for Ferran Torres with 12 minutes remaining, receiving warm applause from the home supporters.
Late Drama at Both Ends
Real Sociedad refused to go quietly. Substitute Takefusa Kubo, introduced in the latter stages, almost snatched an equalizer after pouncing on a defensive error. The Japanese forward fired a thunderous shot that crashed against the crossbar, with Ter Stegen rooted to the spot. It was a huge let-off for Barcelona.
Moments later, the hosts nearly killed the game off on the counterattack. Yamal combined smartly with Ferran Torres to set up Lewandowski, who unleashed a fierce strike that rattled the underside of Remiro’s crossbar. The rebound fell kindly back to the veteran striker, but his acrobatic overhead kick lacked accuracy and sailed over.
Despite the frantic closing minutes, Barcelona held firm to claim a valuable three points. Their defensive discipline, combined with the attacking spark provided by Yamal and the finishing of Lewandowski, ensured they capitalized fully on Real Madrid’s slip-up the day before.
A Statement Victory
The win was more than just three points. It showcased Barcelona’s resilience under pressure, their ability to recover from setbacks, and the depth of their squad. With Rashford, Yamal, and Bardghji all making significant contributions alongside established stars like Lewandowski, Xavi’s side looks well-equipped for another title challenge.
Barcelona now sit one point clear at the top of LaLiga, while Real Sociedad remain mid-table despite their spirited display. For the Catalans, the focus shifts to maintaining momentum as they enter a congested run of fixtures. If they continue to blend experience with youthful energy, performances like this could become a hallmark of their season.
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