Sociedad Triumphs Over Barcelona in Thrilling Encounter

Early Chances and Disallowed Goals

Determined not to extend their dismal streak of 19 losses in 22 matches against Barcelona, Sociedad almost took the lead within just 28 seconds, only to see the goal ruled out for offside. A swift response from Barcelona saw Pedri forcing Alex Remiro into a save just two minutes into the match.

Just seven minutes in, Fermin Lopez appeared to score the opener, but following a VAR check, a foul in the build-up nullified the goal. Barcelona continued to apply pressure but saw Frenkie de Jong’s shot also disallowed for offside. Dani Olmo then squandered a clear scoring opportunity from close range.

The half witnessed a string of disallowed goals, including one from Lamine Yamal, as Sociedad took advantage shortly after the 30-minute mark when Mikel Oyarzabal volleyed into the net to give the home side a lead. Barcelona’s hopes of a late penalty were dashed when VAR overturned the decision just before the half-time whistle.

Second Half Action and a Flurry of Goals

Olmo struck the post shortly after the break, with Barça pushing hard for an equalizer as Remiro thwarted Ferran Torres’s effort. Despite their efforts, the home side remained resolute, prompting Barcelona to make three substitutions just after the hour mark.

Newcomer Robert Lewandowski soon made an impact with a header, only for it to be tipped onto the bar by Remiro. However, Marcus Rashford finally found the back of the net with 20 minutes to go, leveling the match.

In a swift turn of events, Goncalo Guedes quickly restored Sociedad’s lead just a minute later, capitalizing on a defensive error from Barcelona. This left the Catalans reeling, and a goalline clearance from Pau Cubarsí kept them in the game as Jules Kounde’s header rebounded off the crossbar.

Late in the match, Barcelona was given a lifeline when Carlos Soler received a red card following his challenge on Pedri. Despite this advantage and nine minutes of added time, Rashford hit the post directly from a corner, confirming it was not to be Barcelona’s night.

Match Summary and Player of the Match

The outcome stunted Barcelona’s attempt at claiming ten consecutive victories, a feat last achieved in March 2016. Meanwhile, Sociedad secured their position as a formidable opponent, remaining unbeaten at home against the Catalan giants in the last two encounters.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)

Match Statistics:

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