In a thrilling La Liga showdown on Sunday, Real Sociedad delivered a stunning 1-0 victory over league leaders Barcelona, ending their seven-game winning streak across all competitions. The Basque side took control early, with Sheraldo Becker netting the decisive goal in the 33rd minute.
Barcelona entered the match boasting the most prolific attack in Europe's top five leagues, having scored 40 goals in La Liga and 15 in the UEFA Champions League. However, Hansi Flick’s side struggled to find their rhythm, finishing the game without a single shot on target. The absence of rising star Lamine Yamal, sidelined with a right ankle injury, was felt as Barcelona grappled to penetrate a resolute Real Sociedad defense.
The match saw Barcelona narrowly miss a goal when Robert Lewandowski’s rebound was ruled out by VAR for a marginal offside. Frustrations grew as Real Sociedad capitalized on their opportunities. Becker, showcasing impressive skill, navigated past the offside trap and calmly finished past Barca goalkeeper Inaki Pena, securing the lead for the home side.
Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, Real Sociedad couldn’t add to their tally, while Barcelona’s Pena made several crucial saves to keep the scoreline intact. Barcelona pressed for an equalizer in the second half, with Pedri nearly breaking through in the 57th minute, but Real Sociedad held firm.
‘Real Sociedad are a team that presses very well. It was very difficult for us to put the ball in play,’ Barcelona’s Pedri reflected after the match. ‘We weren’t accurate today, but the team is doing well and we’re still in the lead.’
With this result, Barcelona remains atop La Liga with 33 points, six ahead of Real Madrid, who have a game in hand. Atletico Madrid holds the third spot with 26 points, while Real Sociedad settles eighth with 18 points.
Other notable La Liga results from Sunday include:
- Real Betis 2-2 Celta de Vigo
- Atletico Madrid 1-0 RCD Mallorca
- Girona 1-0 Getafe
- Real Valladolid 1-1 Athletic Bilbao
Reference(s):
Sheraldo Becker's goal hands Real Sociedad shock win over Barcelona
cgtn.com
