Real Sociedad’s a 94th-minute goal by Ronald Araujo granted Barcelona a critical win, snatching three points from the jaws of defeat.
From the opening whistle, Real Sociedad wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Barely 27 seconds in, Barrenetxea threatened Barcelona’s goal, but a stellar save by Ter Stegen kept the scores level. In rapid succession, Sociedad’s offensive onslaught continued with efforts from Munoz and Merino, but they were repeatedly thwarted by Barcelona’s German goalkeeper.
Barcelona’s shaky performance seemed to be a hangover effect from their recent El Clasico loss to Real Madrid. Sociedad sensed Barcelona’s vulnerability and kept up the pressure, with Ter Stegen denying Kubo and Zubimendi. Barcelona’s meager contributions in the first half were marred by two simulation attempts by Felix, which went unnoticed by the referee.
The second half saw a more defensively organized Barcelona, reducing Sociedad’s chances. As the minutes ticked away, Xavi made tactical changes, aiming to inject some offense into his team. It wasn’t until the 90th minute that Barcelona posed a genuine threat with Gavi’s attempt, only to be denied by the Sociedad goalkeeper.
But as the match seemed destined for a stalemate, Gundogan whipped in a spectacular cross in stoppage time, finding Araujo, who netted the decisive goal. Initially ruled offside, VAR intervened, confirming the goal’s legitimacy.
Stunned, Sociedad couldn’t muster a response in the final moments, cementing a 1:0 victory for Barcelona. Despite it being one of their most lackluster displays under Xavi Hernandez, the victory was invaluable, underscoring the adage that in football, it’s not always about how you play, but the result that matters most.
