Can Real Sociedad Keep the Pressure on Barcelona in the La Liga Title Race?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a gripping encounter, Real Sociedad overcame FC Barcelona 2-1, tightening the La Liga title race as they close the gap at the top. With crucial performances from Oyarzabal and Guedes, the match showcased intense competition and VAR controversies, leaving fans eager for the next round of fixtures.
Key Takeaways
- Real Sociedad secures a vital win over Barcelona.
- Barcelona's lead in La Liga shrinks to one point.
- VAR decisions play a crucial role in the match.
- Real Madrid continues to apply pressure with their recent victory.
- Intense competition at both ends of the table.
Madrid, Jan 19 (NationPress) Real Sociedad triumphed over FC Barcelona with a score of 2-1 in a thrilling home match, narrowing Barcelona's lead at the top of La Liga to just one point following Real Madrid's victory the previous day.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Goncalo Guedes found the net for Real Sociedad, while Marcus Rashford equalized for Barcelona. The match saw three goals from Barcelona in the first half disallowed by VAR, including one that was barely offside against Lamine Yamal, and numerous attempts that struck the woodwork.
Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a volley from the far post, despite Barcelona’s appeals for a foul on Dani Olmo during the build-up, according to reports from Xinhua.
Following halftime, Barcelona dominated possession, with Olmo hitting the post twice in quick succession, while goalkeeper Alex Remiro made a crucial save from Robert Lewandowski. Rashford leveled the score in the 70th minute, but Guedes restored Real Sociedad's lead just a minute later, capitalizing on a failed catch by Joan Garcia after a header from Carlos Soler.
Barcelona continued to press, hitting the woodwork again through Jules Kounde and Rashford, who even hit the post directly from a corner kick. Late in the game, Soler was sent off for a challenge on Pedri, yet Real Sociedad managed to maintain their lead.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory against Levante at home with goals from Kylian Mbappe and Raul Asencio. The match at the Santiago Bernabeu was also characterized by boos from certain fans, including criticism directed towards Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr..
In other matches, Atletico Madrid equaled points with Villarreal in third place after a 1-0 win against Deportivo Alaves, thanks to a header from Alexander Sorloth early in the second half.
Celta Vigo defeated Rayo Vallecano 3-0, solidifying their position in seventh, while Valencia escaped the relegation zone with a 1-0 victory at Getafe. Betis triumphed over Villarreal with a 2-0 score at home.
Mallorca edged past Athletic Bilbao with a 3-2 victory, featuring a hat-trick from Vedat Muriqi, while Osasuna narrowly defeated Oviedo 3-2 with a last-minute goal from Victor Munoz.
The matchday commenced on Friday with Girona clinching a 2-0 victory away against Espanyol.
Point of View
The recent match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona highlights the intense competition in La Liga. Real Sociedad's performance not only showcases their growing strength but also sets the stage for an electrifying title race as they challenge Barcelona's dominance. This event is pivotal for both teams as they battle for supremacy in Spanish football.
NationPress
19/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match between Real Sociedad and Barcelona?
Real Sociedad won the match 2-1 against FC Barcelona.
Who scored the goals for Real Sociedad?
Mikel Oyarzabal and Goncalo Guedes scored for Real Sociedad.
Did Barcelona have any goals ruled out?
Yes, Barcelona had three first-half goals disallowed by VAR.
What impact did this match have on La Liga standings?
This victory reduced Barcelona's lead at the top of La Liga to just one point.
Which team did Real Madrid play recently?
Real Madrid played against Levante, winning 2-0.
