Odriozola opens scoring for Real Sociedad, but Barcelona storm back thanks to Koundé and Lewandowski — late drama in Montjuïc. Full recap, stats & analysis.
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad: Background
Barcelona head into Matchday 7 hosting Real Sociedad at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Montjuïc), not Camp Nou, due to pending safety approvals for their home stadium. (Cadena SER)
They currently sit 2nd in La Liga with 16 points while Sociedad, struggling with injuries (notably Take Kubo’s ankle issue) and in 16th place, come in desperate for a result.
Barcelona’s squad is thin — missing Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi, Raphinha, and more — though Lamine Yamal has returned to training. (Barca Blaugranes)
In head-to-head history, Barça dominate — in 52 matches, Barcelona have won 36, Real Sociedad 8, with 8 draws. (FC Tables)
Given all that, the stage is set for a dramatic match, likely with twists and momentum swings.
Final score & headline stats (based on live updates)
According to live score trackers:
Barcelona 2 – 1 Real Sociedad
Key phases from match updates:
- Álvaro Odriozola gives Sociedad the lead in the 31st minute, converting a cross from Barrenetxea.
- Jules Koundé heads in the equaliser in the 43rd minute from a Rashford corner.
- Robert Lewandowski scores with a header in the 59th minute, assisted by a cross from Lamine Yamal.
Those three goals tell the drama: an away goal early, a defensive lapse, then two headers to reverse the result.
Match narrative & turning points
First half — shock from Odriozola
Real Sociedad stunned Barça early through Álvaro Odriozola. He picked up a pass from Barrenetxea and fired into the bottom right, shaking the hosts and forcing Barcelona to chase. (Yahoo Sports)
Barcelona tried to respond, but Sociedad defended with compact shape and counter threat until the 43rd minute when Koundé rose to head in from a corner and reset parity going into halftime.
Second half — Barça push and finish
After the break, Barcelona turned up the pressure. The moment came in the 59th minute: Yamal, fresh from injury return, delivered a cross that found Lewandowski, who rose to head Barça ahead. (Outlook India)
Sociedad tried to respond but the hosts were more composed. Barcelona’s depth, substitutions, and set-piece superiority allowed them to manage the remainder and hold on to the 2–1 victory.
Player spotlights — who influenced the result
Álvaro Odriozola (Sociedad) — bright spark
Odriozola was sharp and incisive — his goal was well placed and caught Barça off guard. For a defender, contributing the match’s opening goal is a significant impact.
Jules Koundé (Barcelona) — equaliser machine
Koundé’s header restored momentum. He’s increasingly the kind of defender who adds aerial threat at both ends, and this match reinforced that dual role.
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) — clutch finisher
Lewandowski’s header from Yamal’s cross illustrated his aerial prowess and positioning. Even with a stretched squad, Barça leaned on him to deliver.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) — return with influence
Yamal’s assist on Lewandowski’s goal was timing and quality. His return to fitness brings a creative spark into an already pressured attacking unit.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Tactical analysis — what worked and what faltered
Barcelona’s approach
- Set pieces as a weapon: Two headed goals from corners/ crosses show how Barça targeted aerial advantages.
- Substitutions & squad rotation: With key absences, bench players like Yamal and others had to step up.
- Control of tempo: Once they equalised, Barça pushed the game’s speed, letting Sociedad chase.
Sociedad’s strategy & vulnerabilities
- Early aggression paid off: The Odriozola goal was a reward for a bold start.
- Defensive fragility at set pieces: Losing through headers twice speaks to issues marking and zonal vs man assignments.
- Injury concerns hamper full potency: Kubo’s ankle issue reportedly limits Sociedad’s attacking full capability. (Diario AS)
Coaching moments to debate
- Could Sociedad have retracted after the equaliser and played tighter?
- Did Barcelona’s coaching staff target exactly Sociedad’s weakness on corners?
- Use of Yamal as substitute paid off — was that always part of the plan?
FULL TIME 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fhW34sGxX4
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 28, 2025
H2H context & statistical insight
- Head-to-head: Barça vastly superior — 36 wins in 52 matches. (FC Tables)
- Recent trend: Barça winning comfortably; Sociedad have occasional upset wins but inconsistent form. (SuperSport)
- Recent season context: Barça beat Sociedad 4–0 earlier this year, capitalising when Sociedad went down to ten men. (ESPN.com)
So this match fits patterns: Sociedad trying to punch above their level, Barça using depth and aerial strength to deliver.
Implications & what’s next
- For Barcelona: The win keeps them chasing or overtaking leaders. It sends a confidence message especially with Champions League looming.
- For Real Sociedad: This defeat deepens pressure. They must shore up roster depth, defensive consistency, and manage injury concerns (Kubo etc.).
- La Liga title race: Every point at this stage is precious — Barça keeps momentum for direct rivals.
- Player morale and trust: Yamal looked ready; Koundé and Lewy reminded that in crunch moments they deliver.
Where to watch & broadcasting info
- Kickoff at 16:30 UTC in Montjuïc. (Sofascore)
- Global broadcasters vary: ESPN+, Movistar (Spain), etc. (As preview articles suggest) (Barca Blaugranes)
- Tip: Use your local La Liga rights provider or club streaming platforms for the best coverage.