The game: 1-4
You shouldn’t have been late to witness Robert Lewandowski’s first goal in La Liga. The striker, who celebrates his 34th birthday this Sunday, cut a center back from young Alex Balde (1st, 0-1). Real Sociedad was quick to pick up through Alexander Isak. Launched in depth, he resisted the return of Eric Garcia before stealing his ball above Marc-André Ter Stegen (6th, 1-1).
The match was animated, the two teams showed a lot of intensity and managed to be dangerous. But it was the locals who came close to regaining the lead just before half-time. On the right side, Aritz Elustondo eliminated Pedri before crossing low to the ground for David Silva, who forced Marc-André Ter Stegen to divert with his fingertips (44th).
Barça’s second half was, on the whole, much more successful. However, it was Real Sociedad who thought of opening the scoring with a free kick struck by Brais Mendez and lodged in the skylight of the Catalans. But the goal was disallowed for a positional offside by several Basques (53rd). During a highlight of the Imanol Alguacil players, Marc-André Ter Stegen was forced to intervene on a strike from Mikel Merino (58th). Despite its individualities, FC Barcelona lacked offensive dynamism. On the hour mark, Xavi made changes that changed the course of the game, including the entry of Ansu Fati (64th).
Barely on the lawn, he delivered a heel for Ousmane Dembélé who took his time to trigger a cross shot with the left foot (66th, 1-2). The Catalans hit the nail on the head with Fati who, found in the area, served Robert Lewandowski with a touch for the double (68th, 1-3). The Pole returned the favor a few minutes later, acrobatically offering a goal to the Spanish international (79th, 1-4).
46
Robert Lewandowski scored his first goal against Real Sociedad after 46 seconds (Opta). It’s Barca’s fastest La Liga goal since Andrés Iniesta against Recreativo Huelva in 2009 (43 seconds).
The player: Ansu Fati changed everything
If Robert Lewandowski was decisive with a double, it was the entry of Ansu Fati (64th) who tipped the match. Barely entered the game, he managed to offer two high-class assists for Ousmane Dembélé (66th) and Robert Lewandowski (68th). Dynamic, he was able to bring the percussion that the Barcelona team lacked with his technique and his game in one touch of the ball. He offered himself a goal ten minutes from the end of regulation time (79th) to increase the score and shower Basque hopes.