Barcelona defeats Real Sociedad 4-0, reclaiming the top spot in La Liga. Key goals from Martín, Casadó, Araújo, and Lewandowski. Read the full match analysis.
Barcelona secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad in their La Liga match, reclaiming the top spot in the league standings. The match, held at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, saw Barcelona capitalize on Real Sociedad’s early red card to secure a comfortable win. This victory marks Barcelona’s sixth consecutive league win, placing them ahead of Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid in the title race.
Match Summary
The game’s turning point came in the 17th minute when Aritz Elustondo of Real Sociedad was sent off for a foul on Dani Olmo. Barcelona quickly took advantage, with Gerard Martín and Marc Casadó both scoring their first professional goals. The second half saw further goals from Ronald Araújo and Robert Lewandowski, sealing the victory for Barcelona.
Key Highlights
- Early Red Card: Aritz Elustondo’s dismissal significantly impacted Real Sociedad’s game plan, giving Barcelona a numerical advantage.
- First Goals: Gerard Martín and Marc Casadó marked their breakthrough with their first senior goals for Barcelona.
- Dominant Performance: Barcelona maintained consistent pressure throughout the match, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Team News and Lineups
Barcelona’s lineup saw some changes, with Andres Christensen returning from a setback. However, Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remained absent. Coach Hansi Flick rotated the squad, bringing in Ronald Araujo, Gavi, and Robert Lewandowski into the starting XI. Real Sociedad was without Take Kubo and Sheraldo Becker due to suspension, but Igor Zubeldia returned after serving his ban. The starting lineup included Javi Lopez and Sergio Gomez, with Mikel Oyarzabal leading the attack.
Tactical Analysis
Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, emphasized an offensive approach, aiming to score as many goals as possible. The team’s improved defense also played a crucial role in securing the clean sheet. Despite past setbacks, Flick expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete for all three titles this season. Real Sociedad struggled to cope with Barcelona’s pressure after the red card, disrupting their defensive structure and attacking opportunities.
Post-Match Comments
Araújo highlighted the team’s satisfaction with their performance and the importance of securing the top spot. Flick reiterated the focus on the next game and the ambition to fight for all available titles. He also noted the team’s improved defensive performance and expressed his confidence in the players.
Implications for La Liga Standings
With this win, Barcelona moved to 57 points from 26 games, one point ahead of Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid remained in third place after their defeat to Real Betis. The victory boosts Barcelona’s title aspirations as they aim to maintain their lead in the league standings.
How to Watch
The La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad was available to watch live on La Liga TV and Premier Sports in the United Kingdom. Updates were also available on GOAL’s Live Match Centre.
Looking Ahead
Barcelona will aim to maintain their winning momentum in the upcoming matches. The team’s focus remains on securing victories and competing for all three titles. Real Sociedad will look to bounce back from this defeat and improve their position in the league standings.
Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/mar/02/european-football-lewandowski-caps-win-over-10-man-sociedad-as-barca-go-top
https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/barcelona-v-real-sociedad-live-stream-online-tv-where-to-watch/blt2ca8b6b0c784a0a4
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2025/03/02/fc-barcelona-coach-flick-vows-to-fight-for-three-titles/