Real Sociedad claimed a pivotal away win at Camp Nou, shaking up the title race and keeping a close eye on Europe. The Basque side took all three points thanks to Mikel Merino and Alexander Sorloth, in a 1-2 victory that briefly interrupted Barcelona’s celebrations as Robert Lewandowski struck in stoppage time to keep the dream alive for the hosts.
Imanol Alguacil’s squad pressed with purpose, kept the ball confidently, and defended with discipline, matching a Barcelona side eager to seal the league crown. The visitors showed composure as they absorbed pressure and hit on the counter, turning the balance of the match through intelligent structure and relentless work rate. Barcelona, meanwhile, entered the encounter with their title party in mind, only to discover a plan that was well understood and firmly executed by the visitors.
Barcelona could not complete the celebration with a win. With the league trophy now on display, Xavi Hernández’s side appeared short on intensity and ideas, struggling to disrupt Real Sociedad’s well-drilled defense and its sharp, compact midfield press. The Blaugrana found it difficult to counter Imanol Alguacil’s game plan, which kept the backline tight and the pressing relentless.
All the details of the Barcelona vs. Real Sociedad matchup can be explored in deeper match reports.
In the clash, Ousmane Dembélé carried the attack for Barcelona, often finding himself isolated as Real Sociedad’s structure held firm. The French winger produced several dribbles and held the ball for extended spells, yet his efforts were met with robust tracking and limited support, culminating in a high turnover count that underscored the challenge Barcelona faced in breaking through the visitors’ shape.
With this result, Real Sociedad solidifies their position among the league’s strongest teams. The Basque club has been inside the UEFA Champions League places for the majority of the season, signaling a return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the 2013/14 campaign.
Imanol Alguacil’s approach—characterized by confident build-up, stubborn defense, and sharp, coordinated pressure—proved essential in earning a valuable result against a direct title rival. The “txuri-urdin” have lost only one of their five league encounters with Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Real Madrid this season, a testament to their consistency and tactical clarity. Camp Nou had not witnessed a Real Sociedad victory since April 2016, adding extra significance to this performance.
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Source: Goal