La Liga leaders Barca stumble in controversial defeat at Real Sociedad

La Liga leaders Barcelona fell to a 1-0 defeat against Real Sociedad on Sunday as a Robert Lewandowski goal was controversially disallowed.

Sheraldo Becker’s 33rd-minute strike consigned the Catalan giants to their second league loss of the season, leaving Hansi Flick’s side six points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, though Barça have played an extra match.

Lewandowski’s early disallowed goal sparked heated debate over whether the Polish forward had indeed been offside.

Barcelona were without teenage star Lamine Yamal, who missed the match after suffering an ankle injury in the Champions League victory at Red Star Belgrade midweek, leaving Barça without his creative spark.

The Catalans failed to score in a match for the first time this season across all competitions, as eighth-placed Real Sociedad held firm.
Playmaker Dani Olmo started on the bench, while defender Pau Cubarsi played in a protective mask after requiring stitches for a facial injury sustained in Serbia.

Barcelona have struggled in San Sebastián in the past, and this match proved to be another challenging night in the Basque Country.
Lewandowski thought he had put Barça ahead after 13 minutes when he reacted swiftly to a blocked shot, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review.

Referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez determined that Lewandowski was offside, though he did not appear to be positioned ahead of Real Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd.

La Liga’s semi-automated offside technology indicated that the front of Lewandowski’s boot was offside, but Spanish media questioned whether the technology had misinterpreted Aguerd’s heel as part of the veteran striker’s boot.

With Barcelona’s goal ruled out, the hosts took control and tested visiting goalkeeper Iñaki Peña on several occasions.

Takefusa Kubo’s low shot stung Peña’s fingers after a skilful dribble from the right flank by the Japanese international.

Becker put Real Sociedad ahead with a composed low finish after Luka Sučić nodded the ball into his path.

Flick brought on Olmo for the ineffective Frenkie de Jong at half-time, but Barcelona remained second best.

Becker dragged a shot wide after Jules Koundé pressured him, and Ander Barrenetxea also fired an effort wide from a tight angle after surging into the box.

Despite scoring 40 goals in their first 12 league matches, Barcelona were unable to find the net or create any significant threat in the final stages.

AFP