Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Real Sociedad in their LaLiga match on September 28, 2025, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc.
Jules Koundé equalized just before halftime, and Robert Lewandowski scored the winner early in the second half, assisted by substitute Lamine Yamal on his emotional return from injury.
The victory moves Barcelona to the top of LaLiga with 19 points from seven games, overtaking Real Madrid after their derby loss.
Real Sociedad drops to 17th with 5 points, as Hansi Flick’s side stays unbeaten.
Fans across Europe and the UK celebrated the remontada as of 10:45 AM IST today, Sunday, September 29, 2025.
Match Highlights and Goals
Barcelona started slowly, conceding in the 30th minute when Álvaro Odriozola tapped in after Ander Barrenetxea’s clever run and cross, beating Marc-André ter Stegen.
The Blaugrana dominated possession at 62% but struggled to break through until the 42nd minute.
Marcus Rashford’s corner found Koundé free in the box for a header that leveled the score, despite Real Sociedad’s protests over the corner award.
Real Sociedad’s Álex Remiro made eight saves, including stops from Rashford and Pedri, keeping his team ahead until then.
The second half shifted with Yamal’s 57th-minute entry, replacing Roony Bardghji.
In the 58th minute, Yamal delivered a pinpoint cross for Lewandowski to head home the winner, his fifth goal in six games.
Takefusa Kubo hit the post for Real Sociedad in the 70th minute, and Lewandowski struck the crossbar late, but Barcelona held firm.
The match saw no red cards, but Getafe’s second coach Patricio Moreno got sent off for dissent—wait, no, that’s a mix-up; in this game, tensions rose but stayed clean.
Barcelona created 1.98 expected goals (xG) to Real Sociedad’s 0.87, with 15 shots to 10.
Lineups and Key Performances
Barcelona lined up in a 4-3-3: Ter Stegen in goal; Koundé, Araujo, Christensen, Gerard Martín in defense; De Jong, Pedri (Casadó 90+4′), Dro (Olmo 46′) in midfield; Roony (Yamal 57′), Rashford (Torres 77′), Lewandowski up top.
Subs: García (Martín 77′), Fermín, Cubarsí, Szczesny. Koundé (8.5 rating) scored and defended solidly, dedicating his goal to family.
Lewandowski (8.0) netted the decider with poise. Yamal dazzled in 33 minutes, assisting and earning an ovation with a ‘cola de vaca’ move.
Pedri controlled with 109 touches and 91% pass accuracy, while Rashford fired six shots.
Real Sociedad’s 4-3-3: Remiro; Aramburu (Odriozola pre-match due to injury), Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Aihen; Turrientes (Soler 66′), Gorrotxa, Marín (Méndez 66′); Guedes (Kubo 56′), Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea (Sadiq 81′).
Remiro (9.0) starred with eight saves, Odriozola (7.5) scored his first in four years, and Kubo created chances but hit the post.
Coach Reactions
Hansi Flick expressed mixed feelings: “We’re happy with the win and leadership, but the last 25 minutes lacked intensity—we must close games better.”
He praised Yamal’s impact: “Lamine brings joy and quality; his return is huge.”
On Remiro, he added, “He kept them in it—top keeper.” Real Sociedad’s Imanol Alguacil lamented the early goal conceded: “We competed well but couldn’t capitalize on chances.
Remiro was immense.” He noted Odriozola’s pre-match switch due to Aramburu’s injury as a silver lining.
Broader Impact and Standings
Barcelona’s third comeback win under Flick highlights their resilience, with 11 different scorers this season—the most in LaLiga.
They lead with 19 points (6W-1D-0L, +12 GD), ahead of Real Madrid (18 points).
Real Sociedad sits 17th with 5 points (1W-2D-4L), their fourth loss.
Flick’s rotation, benching Yamal initially for recovery, paid off, while set-piece threats from Koundé and Araujo shine.
The Johan Cruyff’s compact pitch favors Barcelona’s control, dubbed a “caja de cerillas” (matchbox) by analysts for its intensity.
A pitch invader with a Palestinian flag during Olmo’s near-miss added brief tension, quickly resolved.
This result boosts Barcelona’s UCL hopes after their 2-1 Newcastle win.
Fan Reactions on X
Social media buzzed with joy. Tigo Sports posted, “🔥 BARÇA REMONTA Y SE PONE LÍDER! Goles de Koundé y Lewandowski.”
Sebastian Diagama added, “¡El FC Barcelona es el nuevo líder de LaLiga! Triunfo 2-1 ante Real Sociedad”, capturing the excitement.
What’s Next?
Barcelona hosts Rayo Vallecano on September 28, chasing seven straight wins.
Real Sociedad faces Villarreal away on the same day.
The result cements Barcelona’s title credentials in the 2025-26 LaLiga race.
Stay tuned for more LaLiga updates!