Lamine Yamal Shines on Return as Barcelona Beat Real Sociedad 2-1 to Go Top of La Liga

Lamine Yamal made an instant impact on his return from injury, assisting Robert Lewandowski’s decisive goal as Barcelona defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 on Sunday to move top of La Liga.

The 16-year-old sensation, sidelined for four matches with a pubic-area injury picked up while playing for Spain, entered in the 58th minute and needed just one touch to influence the game. A minute later, his clever pass set up Lewandowski for the go-ahead strike in the 59th minute, completing the comeback for Barça.

The victory, Barcelona’s fifth straight across all competitions, lifted them one point above Real Madrid, who suffered a shocking 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday. It also extended the Catalan club’s scoring streak to 44 consecutive matches in all competitions, equaling a club record last set in the 1940s.

Yamal Returns With Energy

Yamal, who was presented with his Ballon d’Or award for Best Young Player before kick-off, had a goal ruled out for offside in the 74th minute and almost doubled Lewandowski’s tally in the 84th, when the striker’s effort crashed off the crossbar.

“Very happy that he is back playing again,” said defender Jules Kounde. Coach Hansi Flick added: “I think this victory will really help us keep improving.”

Match Highlights

Real Sociedad struck first in the 31st minute through Alvaro Odriozola, but Barcelona equalized just before halftime when Kounde powered in a header from a corner in the 43rd. Sociedad came close to equalizing late as Takefusa Kubo hit the post twice, but Barcelona held firm.

The match also marked the debut of 17-year-old Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez, who started in midfield.

Barcelona, still without clearance to return to Camp Nou, played at Montjuic Stadium. They next face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Elsewhere in La Liga, Elche stayed unbeaten with a 2-1 win over Celta Vigo, Sevilla edged Rayo Vallecano 1-0, and Real Betis defeated Osasuna 2-0.