Barcelona’s remarkable 11-game winning streak came to a frustrating end on Sunday night as they suffered a dramatic 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad in La Liga — a match defined by disallowed goals, missed chances, and sheer misfortune.
Despite creating a flurry of opportunities, the Catalan giants were left empty-handed after hitting the woodwork five times and seeing three goals ruled out, while Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro delivered a standout performance between the posts.
The defeat leaves Barcelona just one point ahead of Real Madrid at the top of the table, after Carlo Ancelotti’s side secured a 2-0 home win over Levante on Saturday, tightening the title race significantly.
A Night of Missed Chances and VAR Drama
Barcelona appeared destined for an early lead when Fermín López fired home from distance within the opening minutes, only for VAR to chalk it off due to a foul by Dani Olmo on Takefusa Kubo in the build-up.
The frustration continued as goals from Frenkie de Jong and Lamine Yamal were also disallowed — one for offside and the other after video review. To compound matters, Yamal was initially awarded a penalty just before halftime, but the decision was overturned after it was ruled he had strayed offside.
“It’s disappointing,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said after the match.
. On some days, luck just isn’t on your side.”
Sociedad Make Their Chances Count
Barcelona controlled large spells of the game, but Real Sociedad showed exactly how ruthless efficiency can outweigh dominance. Against the flow of play, captain Mikel Oyarzabal broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, timing his run perfectly before steering a crisp volley beyond the goalkeeper at the far post.
After waves of pressure, Barcelona finally found a way through in the 70th minute. Marcus Rashford rose above the defence to guide a powerful header into the net, briefly lifting hopes of another trademark comeback.
That optimism barely had time to settle. Just moments later, Sociedad struck again. Gonçalo Guedes reacted quickest inside the penalty area, drilling a low finish past the defence and sending the home crowd into raptures as momentum swung sharply back in their favour.
Remiro Delivers a Goalkeeping Masterclass
Barcelona pushed relentlessly in the closing stages, but they ran into an inspired Álex Remiro, who stood firm under constant pressure. The goalkeeper produced a string of crucial stops, none better than a point-blank save from Robert Lewandowski, denying the striker from close range.
The visitors came agonisingly close again in the 84th minute when Jules Koundé, left completely unmarked inside the box, powered a header that crashed off the crossbar. It was Barcelona’s fifth effort to rattle the woodwork on a night that seemed cursed.
“We had to suffer,” Remiro admitted afterward.
“But nights like this are about resilience. These are three special points for us.”
Late Drama and Injury Worries
Sociedad’s celebrations were slightly tempered late on when Carlos Soler was dismissed in the 88th minute for a heavy challenge, leaving the hosts to see out the final moments with 10 men. Despite the numerical advantage, Barcelona were unable to force a late equaliser.
There was also concern for Takefusa Kubo, who was forced off on a stretcher after picking up an injury in the second half — an unfortunate moment on an otherwise memorable evening for the home side.
A Run Comes to an End
The defeat brought an abrupt halt to Barcelona’s impressive 11-match winning streak across all competitions, a run that included last weekend’s Spanish Super Cup final victory over Real Madrid.
It marked their first La Liga loss since October’s El Clásico setback at the Bernabéu, and only their second defeat in competitive action since their Champions League loss to Chelsea earlier in the season.
Barcelona were without Raphinha, while new signing João Cancelo made his first appearance, coming off the bench in the second half as Flick looked for inspiration.
Results Elsewhere in La Liga
Atlético Madrid edged past Alavés 1-0 at home, with Alexander Sørloth powering home a decisive header to take his league tally to six goals.
Valencia finally found relief by securing a late 1-0 win at Getafe, snapping a six-game winless streak and climbing out of the relegation zone.
Celta Vigo continued their strong form with a convincing 3-0 victory over 10-man Rayo Vallecano, recording a third straight win and moving up to seventh
