A statement win after an early setback in San Sebastian
Barcelona's first meeting with Sociedad this season ended in frustration, a 1-0 defeat that marked one of their most disjointed performances. This time, however, the Blaugrana responded emphatically. Even before Sociedad went down to 10 men in the 17th minute, Barcelona controlled the tempo, determined to win convincingly. Once they gained the numerical advantage, the match turned into a one-sided affair, with Barcelona dominating possession and dictating play with fluid ball movement.
Hansi Flick's midfield trio of Dani Olmo, Pedri, and Marc Casado provided the perfect balance. Olmo and Pedri's attacking intelligence overwhelmed Sociedad, while Casado acted as the stabilizing presence in the deeper role. The team’s ability to switch play from flank to flank kept Sociedad on the back foot, and every player contributed to the build-up, making it a complete team effort.
The standout performer of the night was Lamine Yamal, who tormented Sociedad’s defense with his dribbling and creativity. Operating from the right flank, the 16-year-old was relentless, weaving past defenders and delivering pinpoint passes into the box. His dazzling display earned him the Man of the Match award, further cementing his status as one of Barcelona’s most influential players this season.
While Robert Lewandowski found the net for his 21st league goal, keeping him atop the Pichichi race, other names made surprising contributions. Marc Casado scored just his second goal of the season, and Gerard Martín netted his first-ever for the club—a milestone moment for the young forward.
After the match, Martín reflected on his emotions after scoring the first senior goal for his boyhood club.
"I kissed the badge because it was the only thing I could think to do."Gerard Martin
Barcelona boasts one of the youngest squads in Europe, and composed performances like today’s are a testament to their ongoing growth and development behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo played a crucial role with a goal and an assist, reinforcing his importance at both ends of the pitch.
Sociedad, already missing star attackers Takefusa Kubo and Gerado Becker due to suspension, suffered another setback when defender Artiz Elustondo saw red early on. Their limited attacking options allowed Barcelona to dictate the match with little resistance. While the visitors capitalized as expected, they showed no complacency, maintaining intensity throughout the 90 minutes.
With La Liga’s top spot secured for now, Barcelona turns its attention to the Champions League Round of 16 clash against Benfica. In their last meeting, the Portuguese side caused trouble, a 5-4 thriller that exposed Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities. This time, the stakes are higher, and the first leg in Lisbon will test Flick’s squad in hostile territory.
While a victory is the ideal result, avoiding a damaging loss is the primary objective as Barcelona seeks to advance further in Europe. A dominant win over Sociedad sets the perfect tone for the challenge ahead.