Barcelona fired back into second place by Lamine Yamal in lungbusting clash with Real Sociedad

After around 20 minutes, Barcelona started to apply their own pressure, as neither side showed themselves to be particularly adept at playing through it. It was a move from deep that broke the game open though, as Pedri found Robert Lewandowski, who turned his man and set Ilkay Gundogan in behind. He squared it for Lamine Yamal, who made no mistake.

Before that, Lamine Yamal had come close after excellent interplay with Gundogan, leaving Jon Aramburu in his wake. Raphinha had cracked the inside of the post shortly prior to that as well.

In the early stages Real Sociedad came out fighting though, as both sides looked to go increasingly direct, making for an end to end game. Real Sociedad had a brief spell where it looked as if they would level, with Brais Mendez failing to capitalise on a Gundogan mistake, having waltzed past Pau Cubarsi, he put it narrowly wide.

At the other end, Alex Remiro was increasingly required to keep La Real in it though. Lamine Yamal did not make the most of a couple of chances to get a shot off in the box, and on the break Ferran Torres forced a brilliant save shortly after coming on for Lewandowski, having saved from Raphinha too. In stoppage time a free-kick hit Alvaro Odriozola’s arm, and after a VAR check, was given as a penalty. Raphinha stepped up and slotted home from the spot with seconds remaining.

Barcelona move ahead of Girona into second, as they contemplate a trip to Almeria on Thursday. There were chants in favour of Xavi Hernandez, but a few whistles too, as was the case for President Joan Laporta. Real Sociedad remain seventh, a point behind Real Betis, as they try to win Europa League football – the two meet on Sunday, but La Real face Valencia before that clash.

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