Barcelona steal victory in San Sebastian – Soccer World – Spain

Barcelona not only survived but also pulled out a 1-0 win away to Real Sociedad in a La Liga Round of 12 match. Ronald Araujo brought the three points to the Catalans with a goal in the third minute of stoppage time.

The hosts were clearly the better team, especially in the first half, but were held up by the excellent Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was also named Man of the Match.

From the very first whistle, the home team went on the attack and were close to a goal before the first minute had expired. Ander Berenechea shoots hard into the near corner, but Ter Stegen shows his class and clears. 60 seconds later, a mistake by Jules Kunde allowed Eichen Munoz to come face-to-face with the Barcelona guard, who, however, did not allow himself to be overcome this time. Ronald Araujo’s sharp tackle on the touchline at the feet of Munoz got the Pulica on his feet, and to everyone’s surprise no yellow card followed.

Ter Stegen had to step in again in the 16th minute when Takefusa Kubo shot from close range and the Germany international fired home. It wasn’t until the 27th minute that Joao Cancelo fired a long-range shot that went wide of Sociedad’s goal. Another good opportunity opened up for the team from San Sebastian in the 32nd minute. Subimendi sent a sharp ball into the goal area where Ter Stegen was unconvincing and only Kunde’s timely intervention prevented Oyarsabal from opening the scoring. At the end of the first half, the visitors claimed a penalty for going down on Joao Felix, but replays showed that the Portuguese overplayed the tackle. ​

The second half started with sparks on the pitch after Sociedad defender Bryce Mendes succumbed to a provocation by Joao Felix and both received yellow cards. Just before the hour mark, Xavi Hernandez replaced Lewandowski with Pedri, who returned to action after a long absence. The hosts asked for a penalty in the 65th minute after Oyarzabal was pressed by Martinez and Kunde in the penalty area, but in this situation too the referee dismissed the claims. Shortly after, Pedri had a decisive intervention in front of the Barcelona goal after clearing a dangerous cross.

A quarter of an hour before the end, Rafinha tried a shot from distance, but it didn’t find the Sociedad goal. In the 86th minute, Gavi received a yellow card that will take him out of the lineup for Barcelona’s next match. Shortly after, he missed an excellent chance to put Barcelona ahead.

Drama ensued in stoppage time when Ronald Araujo gave the visitors the win. Ilkay Gundogan’s passing pass behind the opponent’s defense was blocked by a flying dive from the defender for 0:1. Initially it was ruled an offside, but after a VAR check, the goal was counted and the Catalans left with the full set of points.

FT | REAL SOCIEDAD – BARCELONA 0:1

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Traore, Subeldia, Le Norman, Munoz, Mendes, Subimendi, Merino, Barenechea, Kubo, Oyarzabal