Key Takeaways:
- Lamine Yamal returned from injury and set up Robert Lewandowski’s winning goal, securing a 2:1 victory over Real Sociedad and propelling Barcelona to the top of La Liga after seven rounds
- The match at Lluís Companys Stadium marked Barcelona’s first home fixture at this venue this season, following recent matches at their club base
- Both sides struck the crossbar within seconds of each other in the 84th minute, while Real Sociedad’s Alex Remiro made nine crucial saves
Match Report and Tactical Overview
Barcelona reclaimed top spot in La Liga with a dramatic 2:1 win against Real Sociedad, as Lamine Yamal delivered a decisive impact off the bench at the Lluís Companys Stadium. Making his return from injury in the 58th minute, Yamal immediately delivered an assist for Robert Lewandowski, whose header completed the turnaround for the reigning champions.
The visitors from San Sebastián had earlier stunned the hosts by taking the lead on 31 minutes, Álvaro Odriozola slotting home into an empty net after a swift counterattack and a pass from Barrenetxea. But Jules Koundé headed in the equaliser in the 43rd minute, setting the stage for the second-half drama.
Lamine Yamal walked on with a smile after returning from injury, ONE MINUTE later, he was smiling again after assisting Robert Lewandowksi, giving Barcelona the lead 👏 pic.twitter.com/8xLtqni8b4
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 28, 2025
Lineups and Youngster Performances
Hansi Flick opted for an adventurous starting XI, deploying 19-year-old Swedish summer signing Roony Bardghji on the right wing; Bardghji made just his third appearance and produced a commendable display. Seventeen-year-old Pedro “Dro” Fernández was handed his debut, lining up behind Lewandowski but struggling to make an impression and being replaced at halftime by Dani Olmo.
Barcelona exerted pressure from the outset, with Marcus Rashford seeing an early effort stopped by Alex Remiro in the 10th minute. Despite sustained attacking, clear openings were at a premium until Odriozola’s opener for Sociedad. The holders responded with a wave of pressure, Bardghji coming close with a diagonal strike in the 42nd minute, only for Remiro to intervene. The leveller arrived a minute later courtesy of Koundé’s well-placed header.
Key Moments and Statistical Snapshot
Following the break, Barcelona continued to dominate possession and territory. The introduction of Yamal in the 58th minute proved to be the turning point; seconds after entering the pitch, he found Lewandowski with a pinpoint cross, and the Polish striker made no mistake with his header to make it 2:1.
Sociedad searched for an equaliser, with Oyarzabal going close in the 62nd minute but being denied by Szczęsny. The contest remained open, with both teams generating further opportunities. The 84th minute produced one of the game’s quirkiest episodes, as Takefusa Kubo struck the bar at one end, followed moments later by Lewandowski firing against the woodwork at the other.
Goalkeeper Alex Remiro played a pivotal role in keeping Sociedad in contention, registering a total of nine saves. Both sides were also denied by the frame of the goal during a tense finale.
| Event | Minute | Team | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goal | 31 | Real Sociedad | Álvaro Odriozola from Barrenetxea assist |
| Goal | 43 | Barcelona | Jules Koundé (header) |
| Substitution & Assist | 58 | Barcelona | Lamine Yamal substitutes in and assists Lewandowski |
| Goal | 58 | Barcelona | Robert Lewandowski (header) |
| Woodwork | 84 | Real Sociedad / Barcelona | Kubo and Lewandowski hit crossbars within seconds |
Upcoming Fixtures and Context
This hard-fought victory arrives at a crucial moment for Barcelona, who will next host Paris Saint-Germain in a much-anticipated Champions League clash on Wednesday in the Catalan capital.
The match also marked Barcelona’s first home game at Lluís Companys this season, serving as their temporary home while Spotify Camp Nou undergoes reconstruction. Their previous two home fixtures were staged at their club base.
For Real Sociedad, the defeat extends a disappointing run, with only one win recorded thus far this season.
