Real came away empty-handed from Barcelona after failing to secure a positive result. The txuri urdin suffered a 2-0 defeat against FC Barcelona in a match characterized by limited opportunities, where the hosts proved more clinical.
Real began the game brightly, dominating possession and preventing Barcelona from having long spells of possession and feeling comfortable. Becker's pace caused problems for the Blaugrana defense, and he even managed to find the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Despite Real's strong defensive display, Remiro was called into action after the half-hour mark as Barcelona started to create chances. Raphina came close to scoring with a shot that struck the post, and just before halftime, Lamine Yamal capitalized on a good attacking move to give Barcelona the lead.
Real had no choice but to take risks and push forward in search of an equalizer. Xavi's side could counterattack more freely, with its inherent danger, but it was a risk they had to take. After Remiro made a fine save from Raphina's close-range effort, Real had a golden opportunity. Brais managed to evade two defenders at the edge of the box but failed to find the target when faced with Ter Stegen. The equalizer was close. Remiro thwarted another goal attempt from Ferrán with a solid save, but ultimately, a late penalty awarded to Barcelona, converted by Raphina, put the game to bed.
Real returns empty-handed from Barcelona and will have to fight for their European participation next season in the last three matches of the league. We are Real.
Match sheet:
FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen (c), Koundé, Cubarsí, Iñigo, Cancelo, Christensen (Sergi Roberto, min.70), Gundogan (Romeu, min.95), Pedri (Fermín, min.70), Lamine Yamal, Raphina, and Lewandowski (Ferrán, min.77).
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré (Odriozola, min.79), Aritz, Le Normand, Pacheco (Tierney, min.70), Aramburu (Barrene, min.70), Turrientes, Merino, Brais Méndez (Zakharyan, min.79), Oyarzabal (c), and Becker (Take, min.70).
Goals: 1-0: Lamine Yamal, min.40. 2-0: Raphina (pen), min.93.
Referee: Cuadra Fernández. Booked Gundogan and Raphina for FC Barcelona and Aramburu and Pacheco for Real Sociedad.