Recently anointed La Liga champions, Barcelona, stumbled in a 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad ahead of their Camp Nou trophy celebration.
Mikel Merino and Alexander Sorloth etched their names on the scorecard for Real Sociedad, solidifying their position in fourth and extending their advantage over Villarreal, who sit fifth in the Champions League qualification race.
Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona’s prolific striker, salvaged a late goal, but it was insufficient to salvage the game. Barcelona coach Xavi didn’t hold back with his lineup, despite having already clinched the league title with a spectacular win over Espanyol. Nevertheless, Barcelona found themselves trailing early as Sorloth set up Merino, who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen just five minutes in.
The goal marked a rare blemish for Ter Stegen, who boasts 25 clean sheets this season. The first goal he’s conceded from open play at Camp Nou in La Liga, excluding a Ronald Araujo own goal. The German is now within striking distance of the league record of 26 clean sheets, a feat that might prove challenging given Barcelona’s recent defensive lapses.
Despite launching several assaults on Real Sociedad’s goal, with Ousmane Dembele and Franck Kessie narrowly missing the mark, Barcelona could not find an equalizer. Their momentum waned in the second half, allowing Real Sociedad to launch a counter-attack, ending with Sorloth beating Ter Stegen to double their lead.
Barcelona’s captain, Sergio Busquets, received a standing ovation from the crowd when he was subbed out in the match’s closing stages, one of his final home appearances before his anticipated summer departure. Lewandowski narrowed the margin late in the game, but Real Sociedad clung on for a vital win.
Despite their loss, the Barcelona faithful resumed their celebrations previously disrupted by Espanyol supporters, albeit in a slightly subdued mood. Barcelona will now shift their attention to their remaining fixtures, aiming to end the season on a high note despite the defeat.
