Real Sociedad Defeats Barcelona 1-0: Player Ratings as Spanish Leaders Falter Against La Real

Barcelona fell to a 1-0 defeat against Real Sociedad on Sunday evening, recording their first loss at the Anoeta since 2016.

The Catalan giants looked a shell of their usual selves when they travelled to face La Real in the league, missing the likes of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal. Usually reliable stars Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha were unable to get anything past Sociedad, while Barca failed to score a single goal for the first time in 31 years.

The league leaders will be pleased to see an international break around the corner after looking both fatigued and sloppy.

It was end-to-end football from the offset in the Basque Country.

Barcelona thought they had ran away with an early lead just minutes into the clash, as assured striker Lewandowski fired a shot into the back of the net. The Catalan side enjoyed momentary celebrations before VAR ruled the Polish international's effort narrowly offside.

Clearly motivated by Barca's close effort, Sociedad leaped into action. Takefusa Kubo almost put his side ahead on the half-hour mark, flicking a left-footed attack from the right side of the box towards Inaki Pena. The Barca shot-stopper made a clever save to deny the hosts the lead, but it didn't take long for Sociedad's efforts to materialise.

Sheraldo Becker made his strike count moments later, beating Pau Cubarsi to the box before sending the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.

La Real set the tone for the rest of the half, dominating possession and ending Barca's hopes of stealing one back. The visitors were lucky to return to their dressing room just one goal behind the high-flying hosts.

When play resumed, Barca still looked a long way off their usual greatness. They struggled to maintain possession, create chances and ultimately threaten their opponents.

The Catalans just could not find a way back into the game, with almost every player on the pitch failing to drive any advancing play. As the minutes ticked by, it became clear that La Real had derailed the Spanish leaders.

Barca headed into the November international break off the back of their second La Liga loss of 2024/25.