FC Barcelona Femení suffered a 2-1 defeat against Real Sociedad at Zubieta, mirroring the defensive vulnerabilities and historic struggles that saw them drop their only points of the previous campaign at the exact same venue, MARCA reported.
Guijarro Strikes Within 55 Seconds Before Real Sociedad Turn the Match Around
The defending champions seized an immediate advantage when midfielder Guijarro collected a defensive clearance at the edge of the penalty area just 55 seconds into the contest, driving a powerful left-footed shot past the goalkeeper. Real Sociedad responded through a swift counterattack orchestrated by Nerea Eizagirre and Ainhoa Marín, whose precise pass released Cecilia Marcos to beat goalkeeper Cata Coll with a sharp strike.
Tactical Adjustments and the Decisive Counter in Added Time
Real Sociedad capitalized repeatedly on balls played behind Barcelona’s defensive line, testing the visitors’ backline with high-tempo transitions. Barcelona head coach Pere Romeu introduced fresh legs past the hour mark, sending on Kerolin, Schertenleib, Camara, Kika, and Graham in search of control. Álvarez gave Maren and Isasisasmendi a run initially before turning to Intza and Arola in the closing stages. Despite sustained pressure and a close-range header from Guijarro that forced a sharp save from Real goalkeeper Estensoro, the hosts struck the decisive blow during stoppage time. Eizagirre delivered a precise through ball that allowed Ainhoa Marín to outpace defender Noemi Van Asten, round the goalkeeper, and finish calmly to seal the 2-1 victory.
45+1' Goal Real SociedadReal Sociedad 2-1 Barcelona
Late Penalty Confusion and the Video Support System Intervention
Controversy flared inside the final ten minutes when the match official initially pointed to the penalty spot after Lucía Laborde challenged Brugts inside the box. Following a review via the Video Support System (FVS), the referee reversed the decision upon determining the contact was residual after the defender played the ball cleanly. Six minutes of electric stoppage time followed, but Real Sociedad held firm to secure all three points.
Squad Rotations and Injury Context Leading to Zubieta
Barcelona arrived in San Sebastián sitting atop the Liga F standings with 18 points following a dominant 7-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou, according to Mundo Deportivo. Before the match, the team had netted 28 goals and conceded only two across the opening six fixtures. However, the squad navigated notable absences in attack, with Claudia Pina remaining in Barcelona for individual workload management and Vicky López sidelined due to a right rectus femoris injury reported by SPORT. Conversely, Portugal international Kika Nazareth returned to the matchday squad after receiving medical clearance for a similar rectus femoris injury sustained on September 23, while Cata Coll and Caroline Graham Hansen travelled despite minor niggles from international duty. The matchday squad also included youth team players Rosalía, Noa Jiménez, and Mayssa Baha.
Basque Rebuilding Under New Technical Leadership
Real Sociedad entered the fixture following a turbulent start to the campaign that included the late August departure of head coach Arturo Ruiz to Brighton & Hove Albion, paving the way for Gorka Álvarez to take charge. Competing across both Liga F and the Europa Cup, the Basque side secured their first league victory of the season immediately prior to this match by defeating Valencia 1-0, having previously suffered defeats against Granada and Real Madrid alongside draws with Costa Adeje Tenerife and Badalona.
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