Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Real Sociedad, aided by a wrongly awarded corner that led to Jules Kounde’s equaliser
- Referee Alejandro Hernandez admitted post-match that the crucial corner decision was a mistake, a point acknowledged by Sociedad’s goalkeeper Alex Remiro
- Sociedad remained in 17th place after the defeat, while Barcelona reclaimed the top spot in La Liga, capitalising on Real Madrid’s 5-2 loss to Atletico
Controversial Decision Pivotal in Barcelona’s Comeback
Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad was overshadowed by a contentious refereeing decision. Alvaro Odriozola’s 31st-minute goal initially put Sociedad ahead, but controversy erupted when referee Alejandro Hernandez awarded a corner to Barcelona in error – a moment that shifted the momentum dramatically. Jules Kounde headed home from the resulting set piece, bringing the scores level for the reigning La Liga champions.
Sociedad were left exasperated, as Robert Lewandowski netted the decisive goal in the second half, completing the comeback and leaving the Basque side ruing what they considered an avoidable officiating mistake.
🗣️ Álex Remiro: "Hemos hablado con el árbitro y ha asumido su error" pic.twitter.com/uEXNsRSr2g
— DAZN Fútbol (@DAZNFutbol) September 28, 2025
Remiro Reflects on Refereeing Error and Defensive Frailty
In the aftermath, Sociedad’s goalkeeper Alex Remiro expressed his dissatisfaction in the mixed zone: “I’ve also complained… We’ve spoken with Alejandro, with the referee, and he’s accepted his mistake. It’s more of a mistake for us to defend the corner poorly.”
He further commented: “It’s a shame, and VAR can’t be used due to protocol, and I don’t think it should be used either, because otherwise it would be outrageous. It’s a fine line. Corner, and we were bad in that particular moment defending, and we need to correct it.”
Implications for La Liga’s Title and Relegation Races
The defeat leaves Real Sociedad precariously placed in 17th position, intensifying pressure as they search for much-needed points to move clear of the relegation fight. In contrast, Barcelona’s hard-fought win proved significant, allowing them to leapfrog Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings after Madrid’s 5-2 defeat to Atletico.
Lamine Yamal’s energetic appearance from the bench in the 58th minute provided an attacking spark for Barcelona, as he delivered the decisive assist for Lewandowski’s winner, underlining his growing importance to Hansi Flick’s side.
| Match | Score | Key Events | Table Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Sociedad vs Barcelona | 1-2 | Odriozola 31′; Kounde 2nd half (from wrongly awarded corner); Lewandowski 2nd half | Barcelona: 1st, Sociedad: 17th |
| Real Madrid vs Atletico | 2-5 | Madrid lose, aiding Barcelona’s climb to 1st place | Real Madrid drop from 1st |
Upcoming Fixtures for Both Sides
Looking ahead, Real Sociedad will attempt to regroup when they meet Rayo Vallecano next weekend, with the urgency of steering clear of the relegation battle. Barcelona’s focus shifts swiftly to the Champions League, as they prepare for a challenging midweek trip to face Paris Saint-Germain – a fixture set to test both their defensive resilience and attacking prowess.
