In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Barcelona overturned an early deficit to defeat Real Sociedad 2-1 on Sunday, marking matchday 7 of La Liga. The game started with Álvaro Odriozola giving the visitors a surprise lead in the 30th minute, scoring from open play. However, Barcelona responded just before halftime with a powerful header from Jules Koundé in the 42nd minute. In the second half, Robert Lewandowski turned the game around by scoring another header in the 58th minute, sealing the victory for the hosts.
Both teams had close chances and were thwarted by the woodwork, with Lewandowski’s shot for Barcelona and Takefusa Kubo’s attempt for Real Sociedad both hitting the post.
The standout player of the match was Pedri, whose exceptional performance included 103 successful passes, 2 interceptions, and a couple of attempts at goal. Lewandowski also shone at Camp Nou, contributing significantly with 5 shots on goal, while completing 20 accurate passes.
Coach Hans Flick’s formation for Barcelona was a 4-5-1, featuring Wojciech Szczesny in goal, with a backline of Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, and Gerard Martín. The midfield included Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Roony Bardghji, Dro Fernández, and Marcus Rashford, with Lewandowski leading the attack.
Meanwhile, Sergio Francisco’s Real Sociedad lined up in a similar 4-5-1 formation, with Alex Remiro as the goalkeeper and a defense comprising Álvaro Odriozola, Igor Zubeldía, Duje Caleta-Car, and Aihen Muñoz. Their midfield featured Jon Gorrotxategi, Gonçalo Guedes, Pablo Marín, Beñat Turrientes, and Ander Barrenetxea, supported by Mikel Oyarzábal upfront.
The match was officiated by referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández at Camp Nou.
After this victory, Barcelona climbs to the top of the league table with 19 points, while Real Sociedad remains in 17th place with just 5 points. Barcelona’s next challenge is an away game against Sevilla, while Real Sociedad will host Rayo Vallecano.
Substitutions for Barcelona
45' 2T – Dro Fernández was substituted for Dani Olmo.
57' 2T – Roony Bardghji was replaced by Lamine Yamal.
76' 2T – Marcus Rashford and Gerard Martín were substituted for Ferran Torres and Eric García, respectively.
94' 2T – Pedri was subbed off for Marc Casadó.
Yellow Cards for Barcelona
36' 2T – Jules Koundé received a yellow card for unsporting behavior.
Substitutions for Real Sociedad
56' 2T – Álvaro Odriozola was replaced by Sergio Gómez, and Gonçalo Guedes was substituted for Takefusa Kubo.
65' 2T – Beñat Turrientes and Pablo Marín were substituted for Carlos Soler and Brais Méndez.
80' 2T – Ander Barrenetxea was replaced by Umar Sadiq.
Yellow Cards for Real Sociedad
16' 1T – Igor Zubeldía received a yellow card for unsporting behavior.
46' 2T – Duje Caleta-Car was shown a yellow card for unsporting behavior.