Barcelona climbed to the summit of La Liga on Sunday after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad, with Lamine Yamal making a decisive impact on his return from injury.
Gatekeepers News reports that Catalans were allowed to leapfrog rivals following Real Madrid’s 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico on Saturday, and Hansi Flick’s men seized it.
Real Sociedad struck first against the run of play when Alvaro Odriozola converted Ander Barrenetxea’s cross in the 31st minute. Barca responded before half-time, with Jules Kounde powering in a header from a Marcus Rashford corner to level the contest.
The breakthrough came just after the hour mark when Yamal, sidelined for four games with a groin problem, entered the fray. Barely a minute into his return, he surged into the area and delivered a pinpoint cross for Robert Lewandowski, who headed in off the post to secure all three points.
Barcelona had dominated much of the first half but were repeatedly denied by Alex Remiro, with the Sociedad goalkeeper pulling off strong saves to frustrate Rashford, Roony Bardghji, and Dani Olmo.
The closing stages grew frantic, with both sides rattling the woodwork—Takefusa Kubo for La Real and Lewandowski for Barca—before Flick’s side held on.
The win, played out at the Olympic Stadium due to ongoing restrictions at Camp Nou, sends Barcelona one point clear at the top of the table.
