Barcelona’s seven-game winning streak came to an abrupt end on Sunday as they suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat against Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium. Sheraldo Becker’s first-half goal secured a memorable victory for the Basque side, leaving the La Liga leaders reeling.
Heading into the match, Barcelona boasted the most prolific attack in Europe’s top five leagues with 40 goals, and an impressive 15 in the UEFA Champions League. However, Hansi Flick’s side struggled to make an impact, finishing the game without a single shot on target. The absence of rising star Lamine Yamal, who is still recovering from a right ankle injury sustained in a Champions League win at Red Star Belgrade, was keenly felt.
Despite the setback, Barcelona remain atop the standings with 33 points, though their lead over Real Madrid, who have a game in hand, has been reduced to six points. Atletico Madrid sits third with 26 points, while Real Sociedad climb to eighth with 18 points following their impressive performance.
The match started with promise for Barcelona when Robert Lewandowski fired home a rebound inside the box in the 13th minute, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for a marginal offside. Seizing the momentum, Real Sociedad took control, with goalkeeper Inaki Pena forced into a fine save from a Mikel Oyarzabal free kick.
In the 33rd minute, Becker capitalized on a Luka Sucic header, beating the offside trap to slot a precise finish just inside the post. Real Sociedad continued to dominate, overrunning a chaotic Barcelona defense. The hosts squandered several chances, with Oyarzabal missing a clear opportunity just before halftime.
Early in the second half, Becker missed three golden opportunities to extend the lead. Barcelona’s goalkeeper Pena made several critical saves to deny efforts from Oyarzabal, Take Kubo, and Brais Mendez, keeping his team within touching distance.
Barcelona nearly found an equalizer in the 57th minute when Fermin Lopez’s strike from the edge of the box deflected off a defender, nearly catching goalkeeper Alex Remiro off guard. However, Remiro managed to recover and palm the ball away for a corner.
After the match, Barcelona’s midfielder Pedri reflected on the team’s performance: “Real Sociedad are a team that presses very well. It was very difficult for us to put the ball in play. We weren’t accurate today, and I think it’ll be a one-day thing. The team is doing well and it’s nothing to worry about. In the second half, we didn’t have any clarity. We have to analyze it and keep working after the international break. We’re doing well and we’re still in the lead.”
In other La Liga action on Sunday, Real Betis drew 2-2 with Celta de Vigo, Atletico Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over RCD Mallorca, Girona edged out Getafe 1-0, and Real Valladolid and Athletic Bilbao played to a 1-1 draw.
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Sheraldo Becker's goal hands Real Sociedad shock win over Barcelona
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