Real Sociedad produced an impressive performance but returned empty-handed from Barcelona. Despite taking the lead, the hosts managed to turn the score around against a side that looked solid, bold, and not far from securing a positive result at Montjuïc
La Real settled quickly and stood firm, their collective defensive work disrupting Barcelona’s trademark attacking flow. Remiro first denied Rashford before the breakthrough arrived: Barrene burst past Koundé and whipped in a cross that Odriozola, charging forward, buried into the net. Barça responded with mounting pressure as halftime approached, and though Remiro produced three outstanding saves, he was beaten at last by Koundé’s header on the stroke of the break.
The second half started brightly for Real, with two dangerous deliveries from wide areas that lacked only a final touch. Yet Barcelona struck next, Lewandowski finishing a move sparked by substitute Lamine. Sergio’s men responded well and carved out chances to equalize, most notably when Oyarzabal’s heavy first touch denied him a cleaner shot. In the dying minutes, Real came desperately close as Kubo’s strike crashed against the crossbar, the equalizer within inches. From the ensuing counter, Barça also struck the woodwork.
It ended in defeat, but Real Sociedad came close to taking something from Montjuïc. Despite the result, the txuri urdin can take plenty of positives from their performance. This is the way forward.
Match details:
FC Barcelona: Szczesny, Koundé, Araújo, Christensen, Gerard Martín (Eric, 78’), De Jong (c), Pedri (Casadó, 94’), Dro (Olmo, 46’), Bardghji (Lamine, 58’), Rashford (Ferran, 78’), Lewandowski.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Odriozola (Sergio Gómez, 61’), Zubeldia, Ćaleta-Car, Aihen, Gorrotxa, Turrientes (Soler, 66’), Marín (Brais Méndez, 66’), Guedes (Take, 57’), Barrene (Sadiq, 81’), Oyarzabal (c).
Goals: 0-1 Odriozola, 31’. 1-1 Koundé, 43’. 2-1 Lewandowski, 59’.
Referee: Alejandro Hernández. Booked Koundé for Barcelona and Zubeldia and Ćaleta-Car for Real Sociedad.