Lamine Yamal’s goal and Raphinha’s late penalty propelled Barcelona to a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad on Monday evening, vaulting them above Girona into second place in La Liga.
Despite facing resistance from La Real, Barcelona broke the deadlock in the 40th minute courtesy of Yamal’s finish. Raphinha sealed the win with a confident penalty conversion after Sociedad were penalized for handball.
The win sees Xavi Hernandez’s side reclaim second place from Girona, while Sociedad languish in seventh.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
Game Highlights:
Barcelona threatened early on as Pedri set up Raphinha, who aimed for Robert Lewandowski, only for Jon Aramburu to clear the danger.
Sociedad responded with an attacking move, with Mikel Oyarzabal feeding Sheraldo Becker, whose shot sailed wide.
Despite Sociedad’s effective defense, Marc-Andre ter Stegen was called into action to deny Becker’s attempt.
Barcelona’s fluid play came to fruition as Yamal combined with Ilkay Gundogan, leading to the opening goal.
The game remained relatively quiet until the 65th minute when Sociedad’s goalkeeper Alex Remiro made a crucial save to deny Raphinha.
Sociedad had a chance to equalize, but Brais Mendez missed the target after Gundogan’s error.
Ferran Torres, a substitute for Barcelona, threatened to extend the lead, but Remiro made a save.
In stoppage time, Barcelona earned a penalty after Alvaro Odriozola handled Raphinha’s free-kick, allowing the Brazilian to secure victory from the spot.