Barcelona moved top of La Liga with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday, powered by the return of teenage star Lamine Yamal.
The 18-year-old, back after four games out with a groin injury,
created the decisive goal for Robert Lewandowski just moments after stepping onto the pitch.
The victory lifted Barça one point clear of Real Madrid, who were humbled 5-2 by Atlético in Saturday’s fiery derby, and two ahead of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer-inspired side in third.
Sociedad Strike First
Despite Barcelona’s early dominance, it was the visitors who struck first. Against the run of play, Álvaro Odriozola converted Ander Barrenetxea’s cross after 31 minutes, punishing sloppy defending from the champions.
Barça created chances throughout the opening half but were repeatedly denied by Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro. The Spanish international produced fine stops to deny Marcus Rashford—on loan from Manchester United—before tipping away a curling effort from Roony Bardghji.
Eventually, persistence paid off. From a Rashford corner, Jules Kounde powered a header past Remiro to level the game before half-time.
Yamal’s Impact
Coach Hansi Flick turned to his bench after the break, introducing Dani Olmo and then Yamal before the hour mark. The teenager, fresh from being named runner-up at the Ballon d’Or gala, wasted no time in showing his class.
Driving into the box with trademark pace, Yamal picked out Lewandowski, who headed in via the post to complete the turnaround just over a minute after Yamal’s introduction.
“I’m very happy for Yamal, very pleased that he’s back because we’re going to need him,” Kounde told Movistar.
Nervy Finish at the Olympic Stadium
Barça, playing at the Olympic Stadium after city officials blocked an early Camp Nou reopening, were forced to hang on late. Wojciech Szczesny, deputising for the injured Joan Garcia, denied Mikel Oyarzabal, while both Takefusa Kubo and Lewandowski rattled the crossbar in a frenetic closing spell.
“It was a difficult game. I didn’t like our last 25 minutes—we suffered too much,” admitted Kounde. “The first 70 were quite good, but we should have killed it earlier.”
What’s Next
Barcelona now turn their attention to a Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, also at the Olympic Stadium, while Real Sociedad—sitting 17th after a tough start—will take encouragement from a brave display.
(with AFP inputs)
