Barcelona defeats Real Sociedad to move top of La Liga

Barcelona moved to the top of La Liga after staging a comeback to defeat Real Sociedad 2-1 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. 

Goals from Jules Koundé and Robert Lewandowski ensured Hansi Flick’s side secured their fifth win of the season, overturning an early setback.

The visitors struck first in the 31st minute through Álvaro Odriozola. The full-back finished clinically after a smart assist from Ander Barrenetxea, silencing the home crowd. 

It was a goal very much against the run of play, as Barcelona had dominated the ball but failed to make their early pressure count.

For much of the first half, Sociedad frustrated their hosts with disciplined defending. 

Barcelona had created openings through Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo, but their final ball lacked sharpness. The breakthrough finally arrived just before the interval.

Rashford, lively throughout the night, whipped in a dangerous cross in the 43rd minute that found Jules Koundé.

The defender rose highest and powered a header into the net, restoring parity and swinging momentum back towards the Catalan giants.

Barcelona returned from the break with greater urgency, and their intensity paid off just before the hour mark. 

Teenage star Lamine Yamal provided a moment of brilliance, dribbling past his marker and setting up Lewandowski, who finished confidently to put his side in front.

The hosts continued to push forward, with Lewandowski later rattling the crossbar and Rashford forcing several saves from Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro. 

Real Sociedad also went close when substitute Takefusa Kubo struck the bar, almost levelling the match late in the second half.

Barcelona thought they had added a third when Yamal found the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside. 

Despite a tense closing spell, Flick’s men managed the game well, keeping possession and frustrating Sociedad’s attempts to mount a comeback.

The result keeps Barcelona’s strong start intact and sends them to the summit of the league, moving ahead of Real Madrid.

With five wins in six games, Flick’s team look in commanding early-season form, while Sociedad will feel aggrieved not to have taken something from a spirited performance.