Real Sociedad Stun Barcelona 1-0
Ansu Fati's Injury Overshadows Blaugrana's Defeat
Real Sociedad's Inspired Performance Dampens Barcelona's Title Hopes
Real Sociedad delivered a crushing blow to Barcelona's La Liga title aspirations with a 1-0 victory at the Anoeta Stadium on Thursday. In a game marred by Ansu Fati's injury, Alexander Isak's first-half goal proved decisive as Barcelona failed to break down a resolute Sociedad defense.
The result leaves Barcelona eight points behind leaders Real Madrid, who have a game in hand. Sociedad, meanwhile, move up to third place, just one point behind second-placed Sevilla.
Barcelona started brightly and should have taken the lead through Fati in the early stages. However, the young forward's effort was saved by Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro. Sociedad gradually grew into the game and threatened on several occasions, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Isak both going close.
The breakthrough came just before the half-hour mark when Isak latched onto a long ball from Igor Zubeldia and held off Ronald Araujo before firing past Marc-André ter Stegen. The goal was a cruel blow for Barcelona, who were already without the injured Gerard Piqué and Jordi Alba.
Barcelona pushed for an equalizer in the second half but were met by a resolute Sociedad defense. The visitors were dealt a further blow when Fati was stretchered off with a suspected hamstring injury. The injury is a major setback for Barcelona, who are already struggling with injuries to several key players.
Despite the defeat, Barcelona remain in the title race, although their hopes now look slim. They will need to win their remaining games and hope that Real Madrid slip up if they are to have any chance of winning the league.
