Yamal scores, Barca defeated by Real Sociedad away from home

The 1-2 defeat at Anoeta to Real Sociedad significantly impacted Barcelona's hopes of winning the championship, with Real Madrid now pressing closely on their heels in the league table.

La Liga La Liga continued to deliver a dramatic round as Real Sociedad caused a major upset with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Barcelona in matchday 20. At Anoeta, the home side showed resilience, efficiency, and fierce determination to secure all three points against the league leaders.

Barcelona entered the match aiming to extend their lead at the top, but quickly faced challenges as Real Sociedad started confidently. The hosts did not dominate possession but applied effective pressing, disrupting Barca’s usual control-based style. Sociedad’s attacks were sharper and more threatening.

After initially being under pressure, Real Sociedad gradually regained control. In the 32nd minute, following a neat combination, Mikel Oyarzabal calmly finished to open the scoring for the hosts. This goal rewarded Sociedad’s proactive and disciplined approach, forcing Barcelona into a chase.

In the second half, Barcelona pushed forward and increased the pressure noticeably. Numerous chances were created, forcing goalkeeper Remiro to make several crucial saves. The visitors’ efforts paid off in the 70th minute when Marcus Rashford rose powerfully to head in a precise cross, leveling the score at 1-1 and reigniting hope for Blaugrana.

However, Barcelona’s joy lasted only a minute. Their defense showed lapses in concentration, allowing Goncalo Guedes to seize the moment and score with a diagonal shot, restoring Real Sociedad’s lead amid a roaring Anoeta crowd. This goal proved to be the decisive turning point of the game.

In the final minutes, Barcelona threw everything forward. Despite Real Sociedad being reduced to 10 men after Carlos Soler’s red card, the home team defended resolutely. The crossbar and outstanding saves by Remiro denied all of Barca’s equalizing attempts, helping Sociedad hold on to a courageous 2-1 victory.

This result has intensified the La Liga title race like never before. Barcelona still lead with 49 points after 20 rounds, but Real Madrid is now just behind with 48 points, putting significant pressure on the Catalan side as the season enters its crucial phase. For Real Sociedad, the win over Barcelona is a strong statement of their consistent form and ambition to stay in the top group for the remainder of the season.