Lamine brings the pyrotechnics and Barça is already leading in the return to Montjuïc

The return to Montjuïc was not the dream scenario for the fans, but the charm of the stadium was felt once again. More than 50,000 spectators filled the stands to cheer on the team in what remains the first home of the German coach. The atmosphere was festive, with a Barça very renewed by the coach´s rotations.

Flick makes changes and the start is tough

The German coach made important changes: he bet on Roony Bardghji and the official debut of Pedro Fernández ‘Dro’, giving rest to Eric Garcia and Cubarsí, probably thinking about the European clash against PSG. However, with so many new faces, Barça started somewhat cold and struggled to find rhythm on the newly installed pitch of the Olímpic. The first clear chance came from a set piece: a corner taken by Bardghji, a backheel touch from Frenkie de Jong, and a powerful shot from Rashford that forced Remiro to intervene. Then Araujo and Roony tried, but it was Real Sociedad who struck first: in the 31st minute, Odriozola —who had started due to Aramburu´s absence— finished off a perfect pass from Barrene to make it 0-1.

Reaction before halftime

Barça woke up in the last minutes of the first half. Roony showed boldness with several actions, but it was again Remiro who kept Real in the game with two excellent saves against crosses from Koundé and a shot from Bardghji. Finally, in the 43rd minute, another well-worked corner from De la Fuente ended with a flawless header from Jules Koundé at the near post after Rashford´s cross. The score was 1-1 at halftime.

Lamine Yamal changes the game

At halftime, Flick decided to make a substitution. Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal were warming up intensely, although only the player from Egar entered. The impact was immediate: just five minutes later, the young player from Rocafonda broke down the wing and delivered a precise cross to Lewandowski, who headed it expertly to make it 2-1. That assist marked Lamine´s 24th of the season, tying Raphinha´s record and only surpassed in Europe by Mohamed Salah. He not only demonstrated his talent but also made it clear why he was second in the Ballon d´Or and is considered the best young player on the planet. Every intervention from him drew applause and frustrated Real´s defense.

Barça manages the game thinking about the Champions

With the score in their favor, Barça gained confidence. Rashford and Olmo forced Remiro to shine again with powerful shots. Even Lamine Yamal scored in the 73rd minute after a one-on-one, but the goal was disallowed for a very tight offside called by Hernández Hernández. Flick took the opportunity to manage key players: Ferran Torres came on for Rashford, and Gerard Martín also rested, having accumulated many minutes. However, Real did not give up. In the 84th minute, Take Kubo hit the crossbar with a shot, and in the same action, a Barça counterattack ended with a shot off the post from Lewandowski after combining with Frenkie, Lamine, and Ferran. The final stretch was tense, but Barça managed to control the pace and secure the victory. With this win, the culé team becomes the new leader of the EA Sports League, propelled by the dazzling talent of Lamine Yamal.