Barcelona have taken over top spot in La Liga from Real Madrid. The Spanish giants struggled but managed to win at home against Real Sociedad. Lamine Yamal came on as a substitute for his first minutes since August 31 and played a key role in Robert Lewandowski’s winning goal.
Barcelona climbed to the top of La Liga with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad, a result that not only highlighted the team’s resilience but also confirmed the importance of young star Lamine Yamal and veteran striker Robert Lewandowski in decisive moments.
The win, played out in front of a packed Olympic Stadium, came on a day when rivals Real Madrid slipped in the Madrid derby, allowing the Catalan giants to seize the league leadership.
Because the authorities have still not approved the return to Camp Nou, Barcelona once again had to host their match at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc. While the venue has presented challenges in terms of atmosphere compared to the historic Camp Nou, the Blaugrana faithful created a vibrant environment, fully aware that the chance to leapfrog Real Madrid was within their grasp. Sociedad, meanwhile, arrived in poor form, having managed only five points from their opening six games, and confidence was high in Catalonia that this would be an opportunity to capitalize.
Hansi Flick set up his side with Frenkie de Jong anchoring the midfield and 17-year-old Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernándes starting again, a clear sign of trust in the youngster’s potential. Barcelona dictated possession from the outset, moving the ball with patience and trying to pull Sociedad out of shape. Yet, against the run of play, it was the visitors who opened the scoring. Just after the half-hour mark, Álvaro Odriozola, formerly of Real Madrid, ghosted into the box and finished calmly to silence the crowd. For a moment, Barça looked stunned, but they quickly regrouped.
Just before halftime, the equalizer came. Marcus Rashford, who has settled into life in Spain with growing influence, found space on the flank and whipped in a pinpoint cross. Jules Koundé rose highest, outmuscling his marker, and powered a header into the net to make it 1-1. The goal lifted spirits inside the stadium, ensuring Barcelona went into the break level rather than chasing the game.
After the restart, Barcelona continued where they had left off. They dominated possession, pinned Sociedad back, and kept probing, but for all their control they struggled to carve out clear-cut chances. Sociedad defended deep, relying on occasional counterattacks, while Nick Pope was called into action several times to keep his side in contention. Hansi Flick grew increasingly restless on the touchline, recognizing that his team needed a spark to break through.
That spark came just before the hour mark with the introduction of Lamine Yamal. Returning from a groin injury that had sidelined him for nearly a month, the teenager entered the pitch to huge applause. Within seconds, he made his mark. Picking up the ball on the right, Yamal cut inside and delivered a teasing cross to the far post. Robert Lewandowski, timing his run perfectly, rose above the Sociedad defense and powered his header in off the post. The Olympic Stadium erupted, and Barça were in front for the first time in the match. It was Lewandowski’s fourth league goal of the season, a reminder of his enduring value in decisive moments.
From then on, Barcelona controlled proceedings. Sociedad tried to respond, but their attack lacked cutting edge. Flick’s men managed the game intelligently, slowing the tempo when necessary and keeping possession to frustrate the visitors. The defensive pairing of Koundé and Ronald Araújo held firm, while De Jong provided stability in midfield, recycling possession and keeping the team organized.
The final whistle was greeted with jubilation as Barcelona not only secured three points but also climbed above Real Madrid to claim first place in La Liga. After recent seasons marked by inconsistency and struggles in big matches, this performance carried symbolic weight. It showed that even when falling behind, the team had the character and depth to fight back and grind out a result.
The victory also underlined the balance in Flick’s squad between youth and experience. Yamal’s immediate impact off the bench highlighted his growing importance despite his age, while Lewandowski once again delivered when it mattered most. With Frenkie de Jong dictating the tempo and Rashford adding flair in attack, Barcelona look increasingly well-rounded.
As the league season progresses, much will depend on maintaining consistency, particularly away from home. But for now, Barça fans can celebrate a crucial win that not only gives them momentum but also sends a clear message to their rivals: Barcelona are ready to challenge seriously for the title.
