Lamine Yamal’s Impact Helps Barcelona Extend Dominance Over Real Sociedad

‎Barcelona continue to thrive in their temporary home, as the combination of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and veteran striker Robert Lewandowski once again proved decisive in a 2-1 comeback win over Real Sociedad in LaLiga.

‎Barcelona Dominates

‎From the first whistle, Barcelona imposed its will on the match, pressing high and suffocating Real Sociedad’s attempts to build from the back.

‎With Marcus Rashford, Dani Olmo, and Pedri playing around the final third, the Catalans pinned the Basque visitors deep into their own half.

‎The early dominance was reflected in the possession statistics: by the 20-minute mark, Barça had enjoyed a staggering 89% of the ball.

‎Yet, despite their control, clear-cut chances were hard to come by. Rashford’s driven shot from a smartly worked corner forced a stunning save from Álex Remiro, while Ronald Araújo tested the keeper from distance.

‎Still, Sociedad’s five-man defensive setup looked well-drilled and unyielding.

‎Sociedad Strikes

‎Despite all of Barcelona’s control, their Achilles heel was exposed just past the half-hour mark.

‎A misplaced pass in midfield from debutant Dro Fernández gifted Sociedad a three-on-two counterattack. While Mikel Oyarzabal squandered that chance with a poor pass, the warning went unheeded.

‎Minutes later, Álvaro Odriozola ghosted into the box to convert a cross, putting La Real 1-0 up against the flow of play.

‎Barcelona nearly conceded again when Pedri’s effort ricocheted off defender Igor Zubeldia in a chaotic sequence, only to see Remiro produce another extraordinary save to preserve Sociedad’s advantage.

‎But the visitors’ luck finally ran out before halftime. From a Rashford corner, Jules Koundé rose highest to power in a header, restoring parity at 1-1 and giving Barça a timely boost.

‎Yamal and Lewandowski Deliver the Turning Point

‎The second half opened with end-to-end action. Aihen Muñoz’s dangerous cross for Sociedad needed only the slightest touch to restore their lead, but the chance went begging.

‎And as often happens against elite sides, wasted opportunities came back to haunt them.

‎Xavi Hernández introduced Lamine Yamal just before the hour mark, and the 17-year-old made an instant impact.

‎His fearless driving run down the right flank carved open Sociedad’s defense, and his pinpoint cross found Lewandowski, who thumped in a trademark header to complete the turnaround.

‎Late Scares but Barça Hold On

‎Sociedad refused to roll over. Oyarzabal nearly silenced the home crowd moments after Lewandowski’s strike but failed to control at the vital moment.

‎Takefusa Kubo then rattled the post and later clipped the crossbar in a frantic closing spell that left Barcelona fans holding their breath.

‎At the other end, Remiro continued to frustrate Barça, saving fierce efforts from Rashford and Olmo, while Yamal himself saw a goal chalked off for offside.

‎Records and Momentum

‎This victory extended Barcelona’s impressive record at the Estadi Lluís Companys, where they have now won 10 of their last 12 games.

‎For Real Sociedad, however, it was a continuation of their struggles on the road, marking their sixth defeat in their last seven LaLiga away fixtures.

‎Barcelona’s dominance over Sociedad at home also continued, with this result making it 27 wins in their last 28 league meetings in Catalonia.