Great Victory for Barça, Which Allows Them to Regain the Lead Alone, Separating Themselves from Both Atlético and Real Madrid. Several youth players debuted as scorers, including Gerard Martín who scored his first goal as a professional. Real Sociedad Tried, but Elustondo's Expulsion Hampered All the Plans of a Depleted Basque Team.
An Expulsion That Changed Everything
Real Sociedad Started the Match Well, Creating Some Chances, Even Scoring a Goal That Was Disallowed for Offside. However, the match was going to change due to Elustondo's Early Expulsion. The Basque center-back grabbed Dani Olmo and the Referee Interpreted That He Was the Last Man and therefore left Real with 10 players within a few minutes.
This numerical superiority translated into goals, first Gerard Martín Debuted, taking advantage of a cross. The Next Was Scored by Casadó, who with some luck ended up scoring after blocking a shot from Dani Olmo. Both youth players debuted as scorers as part of the first team, although the full-back maintains the reserve team card.
Thus, the First Half Ended at Lluis Companys, a First Half Marked by That Early Expulsion of the Donostiarra Player at 17 Minutes. From that moment, Barça completely dominated and had some chance to extend the score.
Leadership with a Goal Fest Included
Imanol Made Changes, Thinking More About the Upcoming Schedule Than This Match. And Barça was not going to slow down, a Corner in Favor of Barça That Araújo Took Advantage of to Put 3-0 on the Scoreboard after a rebound from Remiro. The Next to Join the Party Was Lewandowski, the Polish forward scored his 21st goal of the season.
The Best News for the Basque Team Is the Return of Traore, who returned to the field after overcoming the cruciate injury he suffered seven months ago. Flick Took Advantage of the Lopsided Score to Make Changes and Rest some key players, such as Pedri or Raphinha. The One Who Tried the Most in These Final Minutes Was Ferran Torres, a player who came inspired in front of goal, but was not accurate.
Now the Next Duel Will Be Midweek, the First Leg of the Champions League Round of 16 Against Benfica, whom they already faced in the group stage. Then in the League They Will Host Osasuna, while Real Sociedad Will Face Manchester United on Thursday.
Technical Sheet
FC Barcelona: Szczęsny, Gerard Martín, Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Casadó, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Lewandowski.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Elustondo, Zubeldia, Javi López, Zubimendi, Olasagasti, Sergio Gómez, Barrenetxea, Pablo Marín, Oskarsson
Goals: Gerard Martín (1-0), Casadó (2-0), Araújo (3-0), Lewandowski (4-0)
Cards: Elustondo (direct red)
Stadium: Lluis Companys
