San Sebastian, 19 January (H.S.): Real Sociedad pulled off a stunning upset on Sunday, January 18, in a rain-soaked thriller at San Sebastian, defeating La Liga 2025-26 leaders Barcelona 2-1. This loss snapped Barcelona's 11-match winning streak across all competitions.

Barcelona dominated possession and piled on pressure, especially in the second half, but misfortune struck as their players hit the goalpost or crossbar five times. Sociedad, by contrast, capitalized brilliantly on their limited chances.

For the hosts, Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a powerful volley. Barcelona's substitute Marcus Rashford equalized in the 70th minute, nodding in a close-range header. Joy was short-lived, however, as Gonzalo Guedes restored Sociedad's lead just a minute later with a superb volley from inside the boxer.

A major blow came late for Real Sociedad in the 88th minute when Carlos Solar received a straight red card for a dangerous sliding tackle on Pedri, leaving the hosts with 10 men.Despite the defeat, Hansi Flick's Barcelona remain top of the table with 49 points, just one ahead of second-placed Real Madrid. Villarreal and Atletico Madrid trail on 41 points each.

The match kicked off with high-intensity, aggressive play from both sides. In the seventh minute, Fermin Lopez's goal was disallowed after a VAR review spotted a foul on Takefusa Kubo during the build-up. Several early strikes from both teams were ruled out for offside.Barcelona threw everything into leveling the score in the second half.

Dani Olmo struck the post twice in quick succession, while goalkeeper Remiro denied Ferran Torres a certain goal in the 51st minute. In the 65th, Robert Lewandowski's header was parried onto the post by a brilliant save.Even with a numerical advantage in the dying moments, Barcelona couldn't find the net.

In injury time, Rashford's curling corner clipped the near post—their fifth woodwork hit of the half.This home triumph showcases Real Sociedad's brilliance on their turf, injecting fresh excitement into the title race, while Barcelona faced one of their toughest challenges this season.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar