When Jules Koundé, defender for FC Barcelona, struck in the 43rd minute, the crowd at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys erupted. The goal sealed a 1‑0 win over Real Sociedad in LaLiga Round 7Barcelona on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Hansi Flick, the German‑born coach of FC Barcelona, had tinkered heavily with his line‑up, yet the side still out‑classed a struggling Sociedad side.
Background to the 2025‑26 LaLiga Season
Barcelona entered the campaign with a point‑perfect record: five victories and a draw, totaling 16 points. Barcelona sits atop the table, three points clear of second‑placed Atlético Madrid. By contrast, Real Sociedad languishes near the bottom with just five points after six matches. Injuries have plagued both clubs, but the Catalans have managed to field a core of experienced internationals.
Real Sociedad’s season has been a roller‑coaster. After an opening win, the Basque side slipped to three defeats and two draws, leaving them five points shy of safety. Their manager, Andoni Zubizarreta, has been forced into rotation, especially after losing key defender Aritz Elustondo to a hamstring strain.
Matchday Details: Tactics and Key Moments
Flick opted for a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, trusting the return of Wojciech Szczęsny in goal after Joan García remained sidelined. The back four featured Koundé, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Gerard Martín. In midfield, the familiar double pivot of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri controlled tempo, while the attacking trio of Roony Bardghji, Dro Fernández (Pedro Fernández) and Marcus Rashford fed the spear‑head Robert Lewandowski.
Real Sociedad lined up in a 4‑1‑4‑1, with Alex Remiro between the sticks. Their back four – Álvaro Odriozola, Igor Zubeldia, Duje Caleta‑Car and Aihen Muñoz – kept a tight line, while an advanced quartet of Gonçalo Guedes, Pablo Marín, Benat Turrientes and Ander Barrenetxea supported lone striker Mikel Oyarzabal.
The opening half‑hour saw both sides probing, but it was Koundé’s surging run that broke the deadlock. After collecting a clearance, he slipped the ball to de Jong, whose incisive pass found Lewandowski, who laid it off to Koundé. The defender timed his finish perfectly, heading the ball past Remiro just before the half‑hour mark. Sociedad’s only booking came when Álvaro Odriozola was shown a yellow card for a late tackle at the 31st minute.
Manager Hansi Flick’s Squad Rotation
Flick’s seven‑change gamble looked risky on paper. He rested veterans Marc‑André ter Stegen, Alejandro Balde, and midfield lynchpin Gavi, all nursing injuries. In their place, debutants Dro Fernández and the 18‑year‑old Bardghji were handed starting roles.
“I trusted the talent we have in the squad. It’s a long season, and we need to keep the core fresh,” Flick said in his post‑match press conference. The decision paid off: both newcomers held their own, with Bardghji covering the right flank and contributing two key interceptions, while Dro Fernández orchestrated link‑up play in the central zone.
The rotational policy also allowed Lewandowski to operate with a slightly deeper reference point, reducing his defensive burden and enabling him to focus on finishing. The Polish striker, who has already netted six goals this season, added a crucial assist to Koundé’s header, underscoring the symbiotic relationship Flick has cultivated between his veteran striker and younger midfielders.
What the Result Means for Barcelona and Real Sociedad
Barcelona’s win lifts them to 16 points from six games, extending their unbeaten run to 100 %. The three‑point cushion at the summit means they can afford a slip‑up, but more importantly, it signals that Flick’s reshuffled lineup can still deliver results against motivated opponents.
For Real Sociedad, the defeat is a painful reminder of the narrow margin between survival and relegation. Their points tally remains at five, leaving them five points adrift of safety with ten matches left. The lack of depth, especially after injuries to Elustondo and forward Yangel Herrera, forces Zubizarreta to consider a more pragmatic, perhaps defensively‑oriented approach in upcoming fixtures.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures
Next week, Barcelona travel to Seville to face Sevilla FC. Flick is expected to retain much of the same XI, but the absence of Gavi may see a return of Ferran Torres from the bench to provide creative spark.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, host Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby on October 5. That clash could be a "six‑point swing" for the club; a win would catapult them out of the relegation‑watch zone, while a loss could cement their status as early‑season underachievers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect Barcelona’s title hopes?
The win pushes Barcelona to 16 points, three clear of their nearest rivals. With a flawless start, they can afford a slip‑up and still retain a realistic shot at the league crown, especially if they keep rotating without losing cohesion.
Which injuries are most concerning for Real Sociedad?
Aritz Elustondo’s thigh injury and Yangel Herrera’s calf strain have depleted the defensive spine and attacking depth. Their absence forces Zubizarreta to rely on less‑experienced players, limiting tactical flexibility.
Will Dro Fernández become a regular starter?
After a composed debut, Flick praised Dro Fernández’s vision and work‑rate. While the coach will likely rotate him depending on opponent, the young midfielder is now on the radar for regular minutes.
What does the result mean for the LaLiga relegation battle?
Real Sociedad remains in the bottom three with only five points, widening the gap to safety. Their next matches against mid‑table sides are crucial; a single win could dramatically improve their odds of staying up.
How did the referee influence the game?
Alejandro José Hernández Hernández kept a tight but fair rhythm, issuing only one yellow card. His decisions did not sway the outcome, allowing the teams to settle the match on merit.
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