For the second straight league game, FC Barcelona showed its resilience by coming from behind to secure victory, this time at home against Real Sociedad. The result, combined with Real Madrid’s loss to Atlético Madrid yesterday, has sent Barça to the top of the league table.
Despite heavy rotation, forced by increasing injuries and a short turnaround from their last match, Barça began brightly. Youngsters Dro Fernández and Roony Bardghji were handed rare starts, and the hosts created several early chances. Yet, it was Sociedad who struck first against the run of play. Just before the half-hour mark, Álvaro Odriozola turned in Ander Barrenetxea’s low cut-back to give the visitors a shock lead.
Barcelona responded with relentless pressure, and their breakthrough came just before half-time. Marcus Rashford delivered a pinpoint corner, and Jules Koundé rose highest to power a header into the net, restoring parity. The half ended with Barça firmly on top, though Sociedad remained dangerous on the break.
The introduction of Lamine Yamal around the hour proved decisive. With his very first touch, he skipped past his marker and whipped in a cross for Robert Lewandowski, who made no mistake with a clinical header to put Barcelona ahead. Yamal thought he had a goal of his own soon after, only for it to be ruled out for offside.
From there, Barça maintained total control, with Pedri orchestrating play masterfully from midfield. The Spanish playmaker had over 130 touches and dictated the tempo throughout, earning Man of the Match honors for his composed performance.
Although they failed to extend their lead, Barcelona’s 2-1 win was enough to leapfrog their rivals and claim top spot in La Liga. Flick’s side now turns its attention to Europe, with a high-stakes clash against Paris Saint-Germain looming in the Champions League, a match fans had circled to watch from the day it was announced.