Barcelona faced a surprising 1-0 defeat against Real Sociedad in LaLiga on Sunday, bringing an end to their impressive seven-match winning streak across all competitions. The only goal of the match was scored by Sheraldo Becker in the first half, as Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm.
This loss marked only Barcelona’s second defeat in domestic play this season, as they were largely outplayed by the home team, which missed several opportunities to extend their lead. Before this match, Barcelona boasted the most effective attacking record in Europe’s top five leagues and had found the net 40 times, with an additional 15 goals in the Champions League. However, they failed to register a single shot on target during this game, a shocking statistic considering their recent form.
Despite this defeat, Barcelona still holds the top position in the LaLiga standings with 33 points, maintaining a six-point lead over Real Madrid, who have a game in hand. Atletico Madrid currently sits third with 26 points, while Real Sociedad is in eighth place with 18 points.
In an unexpected turn, Barcelona began the match with potential momentum, thinking they had scored in the 13th minute when Robert Lewandowski found the net. However, the goal was disallowed after VAR ruled that he was marginally offside in the lead-up.
Real Sociedad took control of the match afterwards, and after a great save from Barcelona goalkeeper Iñaki Peña, Becker capitalized on a defensive lapse to score in the 33rd minute, finishing just inside the post. The home side continued to dominate, missing multiple scoring opportunities and nearly expanding their lead before halftime.
In the second half, although Real Sociedad continued to push forward, they failed to convert their chances and allowed Barcelona a brief moment of hope. Fermín López nearly equalized with a deflected shot, but goalkeeper Álex Remiro was quick to respond.
Barcelona’s Pedri acknowledged the challenge posed by Real Sociedad, stating, “It was very difficult for us to put the ball in play. We weren’t accurate today, and I think it will be a one-day thing. The team is doing well, and it’s nothing to worry about.”
Looking forward, this match serves as a reminder for Barcelona about the importance of consistency and adaptability, especially with an international break approaching. With their current lead in the league, there is ample opportunity for recovery and renewal as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.
In summary, while the defeat is disappointing for Barcelona, their standings demonstrate resilience, and they have the capability to bounce back stronger in future games.