La Liga: Barcelona suffers contentious defeat against Real Sociedad

Barcelona suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad on Sunday, leaving them with their second league loss of the season. The match was marred by controversy, most notably a disallowed goal by Robert Lewandowski, which sparked furious debate. The Polish striker had seemingly given Barcelona an early lead, but the goal was ruled out for offside, a decision that drew considerable criticism from Barcelona fans and experts alike. The only goal of the game came in the 33rd minute, when Sheraldo Becker found the net for Real Sociedad. Barcelona struggled to break down Sociedad's defense throughout the match and were unable to find a way back into the game, despite plenty of possession and attacking intent.

The loss is a blow to Barcelona’s title aspirations, especially as they now sit six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich, having played one more game. In addition to the controversy surrounding Lewandowski’s disallowed goal, Barcelona were also without their teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The young winger, who has been a standout performer for the Catalans this season, missed the match after sustaining an ankle injury during their midweek Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade. His absence was felt, with Barcelona struggling to replicate the attacking spark he brings to the team.

"It's a tough place to go, where La Real push a lot... we have to learn from our mistakes and that's it. Normally we score goals but today we weren't accurate, I think it will be a one-off, and in the following games we we'll be more precise," Barcelona midfielder Pedri said in a recent interview. 

Barcelona faced another frustrating night in San Sebastian, falling to a 1-0 defeat against Real Sociedad. The loss was compounded by a controversial decision when Robert Lewandowski's goal, scored in the 13th minute, was disallowed after a VAR review. The Polish striker had reacted quickest to a blocked shot and slotted the ball home, but the referee ruled him offside following the technology’s assessment. The call was based on semi-automated offside technology, which suggested Lewandowski’s boot was marginally ahead of Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd, though many felt the decision was harsh. The striker appeared not to be ahead of Aguerd, sparking debate in Spanish media about whether the technology had misinterpreted the situation, with some claiming it had mistaken Aguerd’s heel for part of Lewandowski's boot.

The match also saw Barcelona's playmaker Dani Olmo starting on the bench, while defender Pau Cubarsi played with a mask after a facial injury requiring stitches from their midweek Champions League clash in Serbia. Barcelona has traditionally struggled in San Sebastian, and they were once again left frustrated by a resolute Real Sociedad side. Despite their efforts, Barcelona couldn't find an equalizer and were left to rue the disallowed goal and their inability to break down Sociedad's defense.

"We really wanted to win at home and there was no better team to do it against. They are the most in-form team in Europe and the fans deserved a night like this," said Real Sociedad midfielder Brais Mendez.