Real Sociedad claim stunning win as leaders Barcelona stumble

Real Sociedad handed Barcelona a second La Liga defeat of the season, thoroughly outplaying the leaders in San Sebastian.

Sheraldo Becker’s first-half goal – taken well after latching on to a flick-on – proved the difference, though Real Sociedad had plenty of chances to add to the lead.

Becker, Mikel Oyarzaba and replacement Ander Barrenetxea all missed the target when presented good opportunities to make it 2-0, while the anticipated Barca pressure never arrived. Astonishingly, they never even registered a shot on target.

Barcelona were missing the injured Lamine Yamal and never looked in rhythm. Even their best moment, a Robert Lewandowski goal contentiously ruled out by VAR for offside, was scrappy and followed a fortunate ricochet.

Defeat means Barcelona’s lead has been cut to six points and chasing Real Madrid have a game in hand. Real Sociedad climb to eighth thanks to only their second home victory of the league season.

Barcelona thought they had opened the scoring after 13 minutes, only for VAR to intervene and rule Lewandowski was offside.

Only problem is, it didn’t look offside on replay, and when a graphic was drawn up that didn’t settle it either, as it appeared the defender’s foot had been interpreted to be Lewandowski’s.

Spanish football is rarely short of conspiracy theories around refereeing and this will not help. If the technology was working as intended and it was indeed Lewandowski boot offside, the authorities would be well served to demonstrate that quickly, as the broadcast beamed around the world painted a confusing picture.

The hosts’ creative spark and best player, the only surprise is Kubo was not immediately involved in the goal. His impressive range of passing caused Barcelona problems and, albeit in small quantities, Kubo dribbled well too.

Real Sociedad: Remiro 6, Aramburu 6, Zubeldia 7, Aguerd 6, Munoz 6, Zubimendi 7, Sucic 7, Mendez 6, Bekcer 7, Kubo 8, Oyarzabal 6. Subs: Oskarsson 6, Gomez 6, Barrenetxea 6, Elustondo 6, Lopez n/a.

Barcelona: Pena 6, Kounde 5, Cubarsi 6, Martinez 7, Balde 6, Fermin 5, Casado 5, De Jong 6, Pedri 5, Raphinha 4, Lewandowski 6. Subs: Olmo 4, Fati 5, Gavi n/a, Victor n/a

13′ – DISALLOWED GOAL! – De Jong is found with a line-splitting pass, drives forward and finds Lewandowski – via a ricochet – who reacts quickest and tucks home. However, after a VAR review it is ruled out, the striker deemed offside.

33′ – GOAL! REAL SOCIEDAD 1-0 BARCELONA (BECKER) – The home team score in a flash! Pena’s goal kick is headed back where it came from, Sucic flicks on and Becker is quickest to the loose ball before firing home.

45+1′ – BIG MISS! – Kubo spins his marker and releases Becker, who in turn squares for Oyarzabal. It’s a great chance and Oyarzabal shoots first-time, but sends the ball narrowly wide.

72′ – CHANCE! – A quick free-kick catches out Barca and sets Barrenetxea in, yet a slip as he shoots means the chance goes to waste.