Real Sociedad Stuns Barcelona, Ending Seven-Match Winning Streak

In a thrilling encounter on November 10, 2024, Real Sociedad pulled off a significant upset by defeating LaLiga leaders Barcelona 1-0 at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián, Spain. This victory marked a pivotal moment in the season, as it halted Barcelona's impressive seven-match winning streak in all competitions.

The Match

The decisive moment came in the 33rd minute when Sheraldo Becker scored the only goal of the match. Becker cleverly beat the offside trap to latch onto a header from Luka Sucic, before slotting a precise finish just inside the post. This goal proved to be the difference maker, as Real Sociedad's solid defensive performance and efficient counter-attacks kept Barcelona at bay.

Key Absence for Barcelona

Barcelona's coach, Hansi Flick, was forced to make a key adjustment to his lineup due to an injury. Star winger Lamine Yamal was held out of the starting lineup because of an ankle contusion he sustained during Barcelona's 5-2 Champions League win over Red Star Belgrade just a few days prior. This absence was felt, as Barcelona struggled to create the same level of attacking threat they are known for.

Dominant Performance by Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad dominated the match, creating several scoring opportunities that were ultimately not converted. The home side's energetic and cohesive play was a testament to their preparation and determination. Goalkeeper Álex Remiro made several crucial saves to ensure that Becker's goal stood as the winner.

League Standings

Despite the loss, Barcelona remains at the top of the LaLiga standings with 33 points from 14 matches. Real Madrid, with a game in hand, trails in second place with 30 points, while Atletico Madrid sits in third with 29 points. Real Sociedad's victory lifted them to eighth place with 18 points.

Attendance and Atmosphere

The match was played in front of a lively crowd of 36,194 at the Reale Arena, creating an electric atmosphere that clearly motivated the home team. The victory was a significant boost for Real Sociedad, demonstrating their capability to compete against the top teams in the league.

This win not only highlighted Real Sociedad's resilience but also served as a reminder that LaLiga is full of surprises, where any team can make a statement on any given day. For Barcelona, it was a wake-up call, showing that even the strongest teams can face setbacks and must remain vigilant to maintain their position at the top.