Yamal’s instant impact fires Barcelona to top spot after Lewandowski winner | OneFootball

Barcelona moved top of La Liga after coming from behind to defeat Real Sociedad 2-1 at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, with Robert Lewandowski scoring the decisive goal.

The visitors struck first when Alvaro Odriozola finished off a low cross from Ander Barrenetxea in the 31st minute. It was Real Sociedad’s only clear chance of the opening half, but they capitalised on a swift counter-attack.

Barcelona responded before the interval through Jules Kounde. The defender powered home a header from a Marcus Rashford corner in the 43rd minute to restore parity.

Hansi Flick turned to Lamine Yamal shortly after the restart, handing the teenager his first appearance since August following a groin issue. The 18-year-old needed less than a minute to make an impact.

Moments after coming on, Yamal skipped past Sergio Gomez and delivered a pinpoint cross that Lewandowski converted with a header to put Barcelona ahead.

It was a decisive moment that underlined the youngster’s influence, as he also saw a goal disallowed and later set up another chance for Lewandowski, who was denied by the crossbar.

Barcelona created further openings as Real Sociedad were forced to push higher up the pitch. Alex Remiro produced a string of saves to keep his side in contention, while Takefusa Kubo rattled the bar in the closing stages as the Basque club chased an equaliser.

Despite late pressure, Barcelona saw the match out to record their sixth win in seven league outings and extend their unbeaten start to the campaign. The victory lifted them one point above Real Madrid, who lost 5-2 to Atletico Madrid yesterday evening.

It was also a promising outing for 17-year-old Pedro “Dro” Fernandez, who made his full debut in midfield. Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, continued to impress for Barcelona with several testing efforts on goal before being withdrawn in the second half with Flick mindful of upcoming fixtures.

The match marked Barcelona’s return to Montjuic after playing their first two home league games at their training ground due to stadium work at Camp Nou. Before kick-off, Yamal also presented his Ballon d’Or award for best young player to the supporters.

Barcelona’s attention now shifts to Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, where Flick’s men will look to carry their league momentum into Europe.