Barcelona fall 2-1 at Real Sociedad, VAR swing ends it at Izan

FC Barcelona’s stumble continued as they lost 2-1 at Estadio Izan 350 days after their last 1-0 there, against Real Sociedad. The match began perfectly for the visitors with a goal from Patri Guijarro (1’), but the hosts turned it around through Cecilia (12’) and Ainhoa Marín (45’)—then finished on controversy after a VAR review of a penalty.

The decisive controversy came with the game at 2-1: VAR overturned an initial call that had pointed to a penalty for a foul on Brugts involving Laborde. Pere Romeu’s protest ended with a yellow card.

Real’s plan worked. Despite nearly 70% possession, Barça created very few clear chances. Estensoro saved a close-range effort from Patri Guijarro in the second half, and at the death Ewa Pajor’s chipped shot went just wide.

In Liga F, the leader’s defeat adds extra tension at the top. As Mundo Deportivo points out, after the 7-0 the white side recorded against Real Madrid, they are now just two points ahead.