Real Sociedad Stun Barcelona in Wild Anoeta Classic

Barcelona arrived in San Sebastian full of confidence and momentum, but left Anoeta empty-handed after a dramatic LaLiga encounter that swung violently on fine margins, VAR calls and ruthless finishing from Real Sociedad.

The visitors thought they had taken control almost immediately when Carlos Soler found the net inside the opening minute, only for the offside flag to intervene. That decision set the tone for a frantic first half in which Barcelona repeatedly celebrated goals that never stood. Fermin Lopez, Frenkie de Jong and Lamine Yamal all saw efforts ruled out, while a late first-half penalty award was overturned after yet another offside decision.

Against the run of play, Real Sociedad struck first in the 32nd minute. A clever move down the right ended with Goncalo Guedes delivering a teasing cross that Mikel Oyarzabal met with a stunning volley, leaving Barcelona stunned and Anoeta in raptures.

The second half somehow produced even more drama. Dani Olmo hit the post twice within minutes of the restart, Robert Lewandowski nodded another header onto the crossbar and Jules Kounde later joined the growing list of Barcelona players denied by the woodwork. By the hour mark, the visitors had completely dominated proceedings but still trailed.

Hansi Flick turned to his bench and was immediately rewarded. Marcus Rashford, introduced just minutes earlier, rose highest at the far post to head home from a pinpoint Lamine Yamal cross in the 70th minute, finally giving Barcelona the breakthrough their performance deserved.

But parity lasted barely seconds. Sociedad responded instantly, catching Barcelona cold as Guedes pounced on a loose ball in the box and drilled a fierce finish past the goalkeeper to restore the hosts lead. It was a brutal reminder of footballs cruelty and efficiency.

The closing stages descended into chaos. Carlos Soler was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a reckless challenge on Pedri, forcing Sociedad to defend deep with 10 men for nine long minutes of added time. Barcelona threw everything forward, firing desperate efforts at Alex Remiros goal, but nothing would go in.

When the final whistle arrived, it confirmed one of the seasons most dramatic smash-and-grab victories. Real Sociedad had overperformed their 1.01 expected goals, while Barcelona somehow underperformed a massive 3.69, a stat line that summed up their frustration.

Despite the defeat, Barcelona remain top of LaLiga, one point clear of Real Madrid. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, climb to eighth place, buoyed by a famous home win that will be remembered in San Sebastian for years.

On a night of disallowed goals, overturned penalties and rattling crossbars, football once again proved that dominance guarantees nothing.