Jules Kounde calls out key Barcelona issue after La Real win | OneFootball

Barcelona are on top of La Liga for the first time this season following a superb 2-1 home win over Real Sociedad.

After seven games played so far in 2025/26, Barcelona are unbeaten across all competitions, plus a one point edge over their fierce El Clasico rivals Real Madrid in La Liga.

Real Madrid’s 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid handed Hansi Flick’s side a perfect setting ahead of hosting Real Sociedad, but they were forced to battle for a win against their Basque visitors.

Former Los Blancos defender Alvaro Odriozola gave La Real a shock early lead before Jules Kounde equalised with his first goal of the campaign.

Robert Lewandowski popped up with the winner on the hour mark as the returning Lamine Yamal impressed with 30 minutes off the bench late on.

Kounde has shaken off some early season issues to reclaim his place as Flick’s first choice at right back for the Catalans but he was fiercely critical of Barcelona’s overall performance.

Kounde calls out Barcelona struggles vs. Real Sociedad

“We lacked intensity in our performance, our defensiveness was not good enough, and we did not close down the pass inside, which killed us on the goal,” as per reports from Marca.

“I didn’t like our last 25 minutes in the game. We struggled too much and didn’t have control of the ball. The previous 70 minutes were pretty good; we had chances to score more than two goals. I didn’t like the end of the match.

“I think we’ve been doing well offensively and defensively from set pieces for quite some time. This year, with the addition of Rashford and Roony, we’ve added two good takers and that helps.”

Up next for Kounde and Barcelona is a return to UEFA Champions League action as former boss Luis Enrique brings defending champions Paris Saint-Germain to Catalonia on October 1 for the second round of the league phase.