FC Barcelona returned to winning ways in LaLiga after a last-gasp 1-0 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday evening.
LaLiga
Report: Real Sociedad 0-1 Barcelona
Date: 04 November 2023
Venue: Reale Arena
Barca made two changes from the loss against Real Madrid in the El Clasico, as they were boosted by the return of Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde in places of Andreas Christensen and Ferran Torres.
Sociedad almost had a perfect start after Mikel Oyarzabal pounced a loose ball in the box within the first four minutes but his toe-poked shot was tipped wide by goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Blaugrana started to get more in the ball after 15 minutes but they were not decisive in the last third after Gavi beat his marker to go through on goal but instead of going for goal, he went for a pass to a teammate and the chance was snuffed out.
Xavi's charges did not have complete control of the game in the latter phase of the first stanza, as Sociedad fought aggressively for possession and as a result, the sides cancelled each other out to head to the break without goals and not much goal-scoring chances.
The game lacked scoring chances early in the second stanza and just before the hour-mark Xavi made a double attacking change as Lewandowski and Torres both came on for Fermin Lopez and Lewandowski.
La Real showed determination and threatened Barca in the last third after that but they could not bring Ter Stegen into the encounter.
Blaugrana had the fresh legs of Yamine Yamal and Raphinha in the closing stages but they were limited to having possession in the areas that were predictable and not for long periods.
However, Gavi had a great chance for the Catalan giants in stoppage time after a through ball by Pedri but his shot, in a one-on-one, was saved by goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
Ronald Araujo eventually snatched the winner for Barca at the death with a header at the back post from a cross by Ilkay Gundogan, which was initially ruled out for offside but the goal was given after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
Barca climbed up to third on the table, a point behind second-placed Madrid and four points behind surprise log-leaders Girona.
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