Three takeaways from Barcelona 2-1 Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Barcelona once again pioneered a win from being a goal down in the first half as they locked horns with Real Sociedad last night at Montjuic.

Hansi Flick entered the game with a squad riddled with injuries and was without the likes of Raphinha, Alejandro Balde, Gavi and Joan Garcia on the night.

Yet, the Catalans found a way to dominate and win the game convincingly through goals from Jules Kounde and Robert Lewandowski.

The scorecard may not suggest dominance, but the truth of the matter is that they should have had at least five goals to their name had it not been for an audacious performance by Alex Remiro.

Barça Universal brings you three takeaways from Barcelona 2-1 Real Sociedad.

The comeback kings

Barcelona under Hansi Flick have shown remarkable improvement in their mental resilience, and going behind on the scoreboard seemingly does not worry the team anymore.

In fact, an early setback only helps them turn up the heat and play with more purpose, and there is a sense of belief in the group that the goal will undoubtedly arrive with time.

So far this season, the Catalans have already won three games from losing positions, making a comeback and establishing themselves as the new comeback kings in town. Last night was the latest such example.

First, the team came back to score three goals in the second half to beat Levante from 2-0 down, then they overturned a 1-0 deficit at half-time to beat Real Oviedo 3-1.

Last night, they once again went down in just the 31st minute when Alvaro Odriozola scored a sensational goal completely against the run of play. Barcelona’s pressure after the moment, however, was amplified.

Jules Kounde’s header off Marcus Rashford’s corner helped the team equalise the scoreline, and Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski then combined for the eventual winner.

Truth be told, the Catalans could and should have scored a couple more to bury the result, but were unfortunate with some unlucky misses and great saves from Alex Remiro.

Lamine Yamal’s much-awaited return

Back and flying. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Lamine Yamal was included in Barcelona’s squad to face La Real last night, but understandably did not start, given that he was returning from injury.

Given that the player had not played during the international break, there was a degree of expectation that he would require some time to get back into his element after coming on.

Yamal, however, demanded no such cushion and was back to his blistering influential self right from the get-go. Coming on past the hour mark, his first touch of the ball was a sensational cross to Robert Lewandowski and the assist for the winner.

The Ballon d’Or runner-up’s introduction made it clear why he is the best player on the planet and simply multiple levels above other players in his position, as the same defenders who were doing a good job at restricting Roony Bardghji suddenly looked to be out of their depth.

In fact, Yamal should even have had a goal to his name if not for a very tight offside decision. His return, thus, is the biggest positive from the night.

New leaders in town

Seven games into the La Liga season, Barcelona have finally taken over as the leaders in the standings, overtaking Real Madrid, who were seemingly in unbeatable form.

Los Blancos were on a perfect winning streak before the latest matchday and had a perfect tally of 18 points after six games. Barcelona, meanwhile, sat two points behind after dropping points against Rayo Vallecano.

The Madrid derby at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, however, changed matters completely as Atletico Madrid put five goals past Real Madrid and comprehensively beat them by a 5-2 margin, making them drop all three points.

Barcelona’s chance to go clear on top, thus, stemmed from winning against Real Sociedad last night, and the Catalans did so far more convincingly than the scoreboard suggests.

Hansi Flick and Co. are now the new leaders in town, one point clear of Real Madrid, and will look to keep the pressure on Los Blancos by forcing them to play catch-up. After all, they are now truly on song after a shaky start to the season.