Lamine Yamal returned from injury to inspire Barcelona’s 2-1 comeback victory over Real Sociedad on Sunday, a result that sent Hansi Flick’s men top of La Liga by a single point.
After Real Madrid’s humiliating 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, Barça seized the chance to leapfrog their rivals, though they were made to work for it at the Olympic Stadium.
Alvaro Odriozola fired Sociedad into a shock first-half lead against the run of play, finishing off Ander Barrenetxea’s swift counter-attack. Despite dominating possession, Barcelona were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Alex Remiro, who frustrated Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji with crucial saves.
The breakthrough came just before half-time when Rashford whipped in a corner that Jules Kounde powered home to level the score.
The defining moment arrived in the second half when 16-year-old Yamal, returning from a groin injury after missing four games, came off the bench and immediately set up Robert Lewandowski for the winner.
The victory also marked the debut of 17-year-old midfielder Dro Fernandez, while Flick trusted Bardghji on the wing and Wojciech Szczesny in goal in place of the injured Joan Garcia.
With the win, Barcelona climb above Xabi Alonso’s side at the summit, while questions continue to swirl around Real Madrid after their derby thrashing.
