FC Barcelona faced off against Real Sociedad on Sunday for the 26th matchday of the Spanish league, La Liga, sealing a decisive victory of 4-0 at the Olympic Stadium of Montjuïc. This win not only demonstrated Barcelona's dominance but also reasserted their firm grip at the top of the league standings.
With the match taking place just after Atlético Madrid had briefly held the first position, Barcelona was eager to respond. The Catalans were quick to take advantage of the match conditions, most significantly the early sending off of Real Sociedad's Aritz Elustondo. The defender was issued a red card just 17 minutes in for fouling Dani Olmo, who was on his way to scoring. This incident turned the tide of the game early on, and the Blaugranas capitalized on their numerical superiority.
Barcelona's first goal came at the 25-minute mark when
Gerard Martin scored his first professional goal. Lamine Yamal initiated the play, showing off his remarkable skill, before Martin's successful finish put Barcelona up 1-0. Just minutes later, at the 29th minute, Olmo's shot was deflected off of Marc Casado, inadvertently doubling Barcelona's lead to 2-0. The young talent from the famed La Masia academy exhibited the depth and potential within the squad, which has been highlighted throughout the season.The second half began with Barcelona maintaining their imposing presence. At the 56-minute mark, defender Ronald Araujo extended the lead to 3-0, connecting with a powerful header from a corner kick. The finishing touch was provided by none other than superstar Robert Lewandowski, who found the back of the net at the 61st minute. With this goal, Lewandowski not only sealed the victory but also recorded his 34th goal of the season across all competitions, surpassing his previous best tally with the club.
Barcelona now boasts six consecutive victories and remains unbeaten as they approach the peak of 2025. They sit firmly atop the La Liga table with 57 points, three points clear of their rival Real Madrid, who currently rests at third place following their loss to Real Betis.
Despite the defeat, Real Sociedad, who sits ninth with 34 points, were hampered by Elustondo's early red card as well as the absence of several key players due to injuries. The Basques have struggled to make their mark, finding themselves four points behind Real Betis and some distance from European competition qualification.
The match showcased not only Barcelona's attacking prowess but also the depth and skill of its roster – with youth players stepping up when needed. Manager Hansi Flick praised the team’s composure and focus, stating he was pleased with how they managed the game, especially with their upcoming match against Benfica on the horizon for the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.
Barcelona's victory today reinforces their status as serious contenders for the La Liga title this season. This win, along with Atlético's earlier result against Athletic Bilbao, has set the stage for the remaining months of the season as rivalries intensify.
With confidence peaked and squad depth on full display, Barcelona heads to Lisbon for their Champions League match against Benfica with optimism. The excitement surrounding this rematch echoes their previous explosive encounter, which ended 5-4 back on January 21.
Fans are eager to witness if Barcelona can carry the momentum from this emphatic victory against Real Sociedad as they continue their quest for glory across all fronts this season. With several key players showcasing their talents, it could be the beginning of another great chapter for FC Barcelona.