Real Sociedad dealt a major blow to Barcelona’s title defence hopes with a surprise 2-1 victory on Sunday, handing Hansi Flick’s side their first defeat in 12 matches in La Liga.
The Catalan giants, who struck the woodwork four times and had two goals disallowed, now lead rivals Real Madrid by just one point at the top of the table after Alvaro Arbeloa’s side defeated Levante on Saturday.
Hosts Real Sociedad, who remain unbeaten in four games under new American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, held on despite having Carlos Soler sent off late in the match.
The match at the rainy Reale Arena began with both teams having goals ruled out. Real Sociedad thought they had taken the lead within 30 seconds when Mikel Oyarzabal headed in Goncalo Guedes’ cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Barcelona then saw Fermin Lopez score from distance, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Dani Olmo in the buildup.
Teenage winger Lamine Yamal repeatedly troubled defenders down the right flank, setting up Olmo for a shot that sailed over the bar. Yamal also found the net himself, only for the goal to be ruled out for a tight offside decision.
Against the run of play, Real Sociedad took the lead when Oyarzabal fired a stunning volley from Guedes’ cross into the near post.
Barcelona were denied a penalty just before half-time after Yamal was brought down inside the area. A VAR review ruled he was offside, cancelling the decision.
Barcelona pushed hard in the second half, with Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro making crucial saves and the goalframe denying several attempts.
Remiro tipped a Robert Lewandowski header onto the crossbar, in what was described as the save of the night.
Barcelona eventually equalised after 70 minutes when substitute Marcus Rashford headed Yamal’s cross into the net.
However, the hosts responded immediately. Barca goalkeeper Joan Garcia parried a shot from Carlos Soler, but Soler quickly recovered to cross for Guedes, who fired Real Sociedad back in front.
Barcelona nearly conceded a third when Oyarzabal’s shot was cleared off the line by Pau Cubarsi.
Joao Cancelo, making his second debut for Barcelona, almost produced an equaliser when his cross found Jules Kounde, whose header struck the crossbar.
Soler was sent off for a harsh foul on Pedri, and nine minutes of stoppage time were added.
Rashford hit the post from a corner as Barcelona pushed for an equaliser, but Real Sociedad held firm to secure a crucial victory.
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