Real Sociedad lost a match they deserved to win. It's as simple as that. Araujo's last-minute goal undid all the fine work of the Txuri urdin, who had multiple scoring chances, particularly in the first half. A hard blow.
Real came out all guns blazing, cornering their opponent and having four clear chances in the first ten minutes. First, Barrene’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Then, Oyarzabal missed his chance with a back pass from Araujo. Later, Merino with a header from a corner, and Take with a shot stopped by Ter Stegen. The only thing missing was a goal, but Imanol's team was far superior. FC Barcelona didn't bother Remiro when they came close to our box. imanol’s side deserved to be ahead, but they squandered opportunities.
Real Sociedad's dominance increased in the second half. They kept control and pursued the goal with zeal. Barrene's volley was stopped by the goalkeeper, there were multiple corners and crosses into the box, but the finishing touch was absent. Absolute dominance, with the only thing missing being a goal. Barcelona pressed harder in the last minutes, and after a clear chance from Gavi was saved by Remiro, Araujo headed in during injury time to give the Catalans an undeserved victory.
That's what happens when you don't capitalize on chances against such teams; you can end up paying dearly. What a shame. We are Real.
Match details:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traoré (Aritz, min.62), Zubeldia, Le Normand, Aihen, Zubimendi, Merino, Brais Méndez, Barrene (Cho, min.79), Take, and Oyarzabal (captain) (Carlos Fernández, min.84).
FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Araujo, Koundé, Iñigo, Martínez, Balde, Gundogan, Gavi, Fermín (Ferrán, min.57), Cancelo (Raphinha, min.70), Joao Felix (Lamine Yamal, min.70), and Lewandowski (Pedri, min.57).
Goal: 0-1: Araujo, min.92
Referee: Alberola Rojas. Booked Brais Méndez, Zubeldia, and Zubimendi for Real Sociedad and Joao Felix, Iñigo Martínez, and Gavi for FC Barcelona.
Attendance: 37,555 spectators.