Late winner seals victory for Barcelona in San Sebastian
Barcelona survived a demanding test in Anoeta to snatch a 0-1 win thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Ronald Araújo, delivered on a precise pass from Gundogan. The win capped a tense afternoon where Ter Stegen shone as the standout performer for the visitors, earning MVP honors in a match that swung on a single moment in added time.
Araújo’s late goal arrived as Barcelona pressed with a sense of purpose. Real Sociedad had dominated the early stages and looked capable of riding that momentum, but fatigue alongside nerves began to erode their rhythm as the match wore on. The Basque side found it hard to sustain their pressing and became careless with possession, allowing the Catalans to balance the contest in the closing minutes.
The fixture was a familiar script for Barcelona this season: a tight 1-0 victory earned in the final quarter of the match. Earlier, the Blaugrana had claimed three points in a similar fashion away to Athletic Club at the Camp Nou and against Sevilla in late September, each win sealed by a decisive goal in the last fifteen minutes.
The La Liga EA Sports 2023/2024 season guide outlines the campaign with standings, fixtures, promotions, relegations and the full calendar, helping fans track how the title race unfolds across Spain. Real Sociedad started with a bold plan, but the tactical changes introduced by Xavi Hernández in the second half helped tilt the balance. The Basque side, intent on controlling the pace, found themselves exposed as they pressed higher and left gaps at the back when Barcelona exploited the space on counter-attacks.
As the clock ticked, Real Sociedad maintained possession for long stretches, yet their accuracy wavered and mistakes mounted. Barcelona grew more confident, staying compact in defense and sharpening their counter moves as the minutes slipped away. Ter Stegen played a crucial role, ensuring the result remained in reach with a pair of important saves against Barrenetxea and Take Kubo during a tense spell just before stoppage time.
With the clock at 90 minutes, Barcelona found their moment. A well-timed pass from Gundogan set Araújo free in the box, and the defender buried the decisive goal, securing a hard-earned three points for the visitors. The victory nudges Barcelona closer to the leading pack and keeps pressure on Girona and Real Madrid, who sit just ahead in the table as the season progresses.
The post-match scenes reflected the drama of a match decided in stoppage time. Santiago Bernabéu and other venues will surely note how Barcelona earned every inch of this win, weathering the early storm and finishing with determination. The game offered a clear snapshot of the league race this season: intensity, discipline, and the thin line between success and frustration in the closing stages.
The minute-by-minute summary of Real Sociedad vs Barcelona, part of the La Liga EA Sports 2023/2024 slate, highlighted the key plays, chances and turning points that defined a match many would remember for its dramatic finish. The overall tone of the afternoon suggested that both teams are January contenders, but only one could leave Anoeta smiling that day.
In the end, Barcelona’s flair to press and execute when it matters most proved decisive. Real Sociedad left the tunnel after a valiant display, but the final result underscored Barcelona’s ability to close out tight games and claim the victory that matters in a congested title race.
XI of Real Sociedad
XI of Barcelona
The minute by minute video of Real Sociedad vs Barcelona, from La Liga EA Sports 2023-2024
Source: Goal