Barcelona are gearing up for a massive clash against Real Sociedad later tonight, one that could see them climb to the top of the La Liga table if they manage to grab all three points. With the title race shaping up to be tighter than ever, every single point could prove decisive across the long 38-game season.
And while there are plenty of big names in Xavi’s squad, all eyes will inevitably be on one player, 18-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal. The teenager has been electric this season, already proving himself as one of the most dangerous and creative players in Spain. But with so much riding on tonight’s match, the big question for fans is simple: will Yamal be out on the pitch from the start? Let’s break it down and see whether Barcelona’s rising star will feature against La Real.
Lamine Yamal is back in the squad after shaking off his groin injury, but whether he’ll start tonight against Real Sociedad is still up in the air. Hansi Flick may decide to ease him back in, especially with a massive Champions League clash against PSG just around the corner. That means Roony Bardghji could once again get the nod on the right side.
Barcelona head into this one with a golden chance to take advantage of Real Madrid’s stunning 5–2 loss to Atlético earlier in the weekend. That result ended Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten start in charge, and it also made up for the points Barça dropped against Rayo Vallecano before the international break. Flick’s men had to dig deep midweek against Real Oviedo, but goals from Eric García, Robert Lewandowski, and Ronald Araújo turned things around after a shaky first half.
Sociedad, meanwhile, have had a rough start under new coach Sergio Francisco, though they finally picked up their first win of the season against Mallorca. Barça will be without Raphinha and first-choice keeper Joan García due to injuries, meaning Wojciech Szczęsny will step in between the posts. Expect Lewandowski, De Jong, and Marc Bernal to slot back into the starting XI.
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