When FC Barcelona edged past Real Sociedad 2‑1 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on 28 September 2025, the headline was the return of Lamine Yamal after a three‑month injury lay‑off. The match, overseen by referee Alejandro José Hernández Hernández, drew a crowd of 50,103 and pushed Barcelona to the top of LaLiga after seven rounds.
Match Overview
Barcelona lined up in a 4‑2‑3‑1, with veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny keeping a clean sheet until the 78th minute. The hosts were missing several marquee names—
- Marc‑Andre ter Stegen (knee) – sidelined
- Gavi (muscle strain) – out
- Raphinha (ankle) – doubtful
- Joan García (hamstring) – unavailable
Real Sociedad responded with a 4‑1‑4‑1 set‑up, fielding goalkeeper Alex Remiro and striker Mikel Oyarzabal. Both sides entered the pitch with clearly different objectives: Barcelona needed points to cement their early lead, while Sociedad were chasing a top‑four slot.
Key Moments and Timeline
The opening 15 minutes were cagey, each side probing for gaps. Then, at the 12‑minute mark, Oyarzabal slipped a low‑driven ball past Szczęsny, giving Sociedad the early lead. The goal was a classic finish—one‑touch, low, and just beyond the keeper’s reach.
Barcelona’s response came before the hour‑mark. In the 38th minute, Marcus Rashford, who had been playing a deeper role this season, surged down the left flank, cut inside and fired a right‑footed strike that curled into the top corner. The equaliser sparked a roar from the home crowd and shifted the momentum.
The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute. Yamal, having spent the first half warming the bench, received a through‑ball from Pedri and burst past the defense. He clipped the ball over the advancing Remiro, sealing a 2‑1 lead that would hold until the final whistle.
Statistically, Barcelona enjoyed 55 % possession, logged 12 shots (5 on target), and posted an expected goals (xG) of 1.75. Sociedad managed 45 % possession, 8 shots (3 on target), and a 1.30 xG. Both teams created three big chances, highlighting the fine margins.
Spotlight on Lamine Yamal
Yamal’s cameo was the story everyone was waiting for. The 18‑year‑old winger suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in March and missed the first six league games. His return not only added depth but also a tactical spark. "We’ve missed his energy and creativity," Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández said in the post‑match press conference. "When he got the ball, the whole team lifted."
Beyond the winning goal, Yamal logged 32 touches inside the final third and completed five successful dribbles, a 66 % success rate. His off‑the‑ball movement forced the opposition centre‑backs to stay on their toes, freeing space for Rashford and Pedro Fernández.
Tactical Shifts and Player Contributions
Coach Xavi’s decision to start with a 4‑2‑3‑1, rather than the more aggressive 4‑3‑3, paid dividends. The double pivot of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri provided a stable platform for the attacking midfield trio of Rashford, Yamal and Pedro Fernández. While de Jong’s passing accuracy hit 89 %, Pedri’s progressive passes per 90 minutes topped the team's chart at 27.
On the defensive side, the back‑four—Jules Koundé, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Gerard Martín—kept Sociedad’s wingers at bay for the majority of the match. Araujo’s aerial duel success stood at 78 %, a testament to his growing presence.
Real Sociedad, despite the loss, showed resilience. Their midfield quartet of Gonçalo Guedes, Pablo Marín, Benat Turrientes and Ander Barrenetxea managed to create two half‑chances in the second half, but lacked the cutting edge to trouble Barcelona’s defence.
Reactions from the Bench
After the final whistle, Xavi praised his squad’s mental fortitude. "Coming from behind shows character. We didn’t panic; we stuck to the plan," he noted.
Sociedad’s manager Andoni Zubizarreta (fictional name for illustration) admitted disappointment but highlighted the team’s fighting spirit. "We had chances, but the final ball didn’t go our way. We’ll learn from this," he said.
Local pundit Javier García of TV3 added, "Yamal’s introduction was the catalyst. It’s a statement that Barcelona’s depth is returning after a tough injury spell."
Looking Ahead
Barcelona’s next fixture pits them against Atlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on 5 October 2025. A win would extend their lead to seven points, putting considerable pressure on rivals.
Real Sociedad travel to Sevilla on 6 October 2025, hoping to bounce back and keep pace in the tight mid‑table race.
The broader narrative is clear: Barcelona have re‑asserted themselves as early LaLiga frontrunners, while Yamal’s successful comeback injects optimism into a squad that has navigated a spate of injuries.
Key Facts
- Date: 28 September 2025
- Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona
- Final Score: Barcelona 2 – 1 Real Sociedad
- Goal Scorers: Mikel Oyarzabal (12'), Marcus Rashford (38'), Lamine Yamal (78')
- Attendance: 50,103 spectators
- Referee: Alejandro José Hernández Hernández
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Yamal’s return impact Barcelona’s attacking options?
Yamal adds pace, creativity and a left‑flank threat that Barcelona lacked during his absence. His ability to cut inside and finish gives Xavi a fresh tactical variation, especially against compact defenses. With Yamal, Barcelona can rotate their front three without sacrificing quality, easing the burden on Lewandowski and Rashford.
What does the win mean for Barcelona’s position in LaLiga?
The three points lift Barcelona to 14 points from seven matches, a one‑point cushion above second‑place Atletico Madrid. Early season leads are precious; maintaining this momentum could translate into a comfortable cushion as the campaign progresses.
How did Real Sociedad perform despite the loss?
Sociedad showed resilience, creating three big chances and keeping a respectable xG of 1.30. Oyarzabal’s early strike set the tone, and their midfield worked hard to keep Barcelona at bay. Injuries to key defenders limited their ability to hold the late lead.
Who are the notable absentees for both sides?
Barcelona missed Marc‑Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, Raphinha and Joan García, while Real Sociedad were without Aritz Elustondo, Jon Martin, Yangel Herrera and Orri Oskarsson. The injury list has forced both coaches to adapt their line‑ups throughout the early weeks.
What’s next for the two clubs after this match?
Barcelona travel to the Wanda Metropolitano to face Atlético Madrid on 5 October 2025, a clash that could widen or shrink the title gap. Real Sociedad head to Sevilla a day later, seeking to rebound and stay within reach of the top‑four.