It’s been more than three decades, but what la Real beat Barcelona at a vital time of the campaign. The txuri urdin won Barça 1-2 at the Camp Nou and are much closer to the desired fourth place. A goal by Merino at the start of the match and another by Sorloth in the second half gave the Donostiarras all the three points against a Barça side that reduced the advantage in the last minutes.
La Real made a bright start to the match and in their first dangerous chance, Sørloth stole the ball in midfield and picked out an unmarked Mikel Merino, who was able to beat Ter Stegen to open the scoring. Then, the hosts began to dominate and enjoyed several good chances in a short space of time, but they failed to score against Remiro. La Real, enjoyed very clear chances on the counterattack. Barrene failed to finish off a ball whereas Cho, after another assist from Sorloth, crashed the ball against the goalkeeper. Imanol's side gave their all and Barrene tried his luck in front of Ter Stegen. However, his lob went just wide. A very good first half for the side from San Sebastian.
After the break the tempo changed and the txuri urdin played a good second half. The goalkeepers were less involved and the minutes were running in favor of the visitors, who also had the best chance with a shot by Sorloth who sent wide a cross from Kubo's free-kick. In another counterattack, Kubo, Zubimendi and Sorloth set up the Norwegian's goal to double the lead. Lewandowski reduced the advantage in the final stretch, but the txuri urdin knew how to play the injury time to take all the three points.
A giant step forward in the fight for fourth place. The more complicated the situation seemed to get, the better Imanol's team responded. What a great team. Aurrera, Reala!
Match sheet:
FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Balde, Kounde (Alonso, min.46), Christensen, Jordi Alba, Sergio (cap) (Eric, min.84), Kessie (Ferrán, min.63), De Jong, Raphina (Ansu Fati, min.63), Dembelé (Pablo Torre, min.86) and Lewandowski.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aritz, Zubeldia (Pacheco, min.80), Le Normand, Rico, Illarra (cap)(Gorosabel, min.58), Zubimendi, Merino, Cho (Take, min.58), Barrene (Marin, min.73) and Sorloth (Carlos Fernandez, min.80).
Goals: 0-1: Merino, min.6. 0-2: Sorloth, min.72. 1-2: Lewandowski, min.90.
Referee: Alberola Rojas. Booked Lewandowski, Busquets, Alonso and De Jong for FC Barcelona and Zubeldia, Illarra and Take for Real Sociedad.