Real Sociedad end Barcelona’s Unbeaten Run

Real Sociedad secured a crucial 1-0 victory against league leaders Barcelona at the Reale Arena on Sunday, inflicting only the second LaLiga defeat of the season on the Catalan giants and ending their seven-game winning streak across all competitions.

Sheraldo Becker’s clinical finish in the 33rd minute proved decisive in a match where the hosts demonstrated remarkable attacking prowess against the usually formidable Barcelona defense. The visitors, who entered the fixture boasting Europe’s most potent attack with 40 league goals and 15 in the Champions League, failed to register a single shot on target throughout the encounter.

The match’s early moments saw Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski find the net in the 13th minute, only for VAR to intervene and rule the effort offside. The absence of influential teenager Lamine Yamal, sidelined with an ankle injury sustained during Wednesday’s Champions League victory at Red Star Belgrade, was notably felt in Barcelona’s attacking display.

Real Sociedad seized control after the disallowed goal, with goalkeeper Iñaki Peña forced into action to deny Mikel Oyarzabal’s free-kick before Becker capitalized on Luka Sucic’s header to break the deadlock. The hosts continued to create numerous opportunities, with Oyarzabal missing a clear chance before the interval.

The second half saw Becker squander three promising opportunities, while Peña produced several crucial saves to deny Oyarzabal, Take Kubo, and Brais Méndez. Barcelona’s closest attempt came in the 57th minute when Fermín López’s deflected shot nearly caught Álex Remiro off guard, but the Sociedad goalkeeper recovered well to maintain his clean sheet.

Despite the setback, Barcelona remain atop the LaLiga standings with 33 points, holding a six-point advantage over second-placed Real Madrid, who have a game in hand. Atletico Madrid sit third with 26 points, while Real Sociedad’s victory moves them to eighth position with 18 points.

Barcelona midfielder Pedri acknowledged the hosts’ effective pressing strategy and his team’s uncharacteristic lack of precision, attributing the performance to an isolated off-day rather than a cause for concern as they head into the international break.